This holiday season is going to be challenging for a lot of people for so many reasons - another year of being away from home, not being able to visit vulnerable family members or simply having to live with the constant lurking stresses around COVID-19. Whatever uncomfortable feelings you might experience, BraveFace encourages you to name those feelings and hold space for them.

According to Author Brene Brown, “When we name an emotion or experience, it doesn't give that emotion or experience more power, it gives US more power.” Recognising that there are more ways to feel, gives us the ability to accept and hold space for all our feelings.

We asked friends of Sauce and BraveFace to share how they are navigating the holidays and share some insights on how they are gathering and celebrating with purpose this year.

Mandy Duncan, Founder, Oakland Agency

Prioritising self-care is the best tradition

I am so excited to be surrounding myself with loved ones over this holiday season. I have made a promise to myself to protect my energy though after a few hard months with my anxiety (lockdown got me good!) Self-care will be my priority over this time.

Lauren Stewart, Founder, Floss Cakery

I am letting go of how things ‘should’ be

What a year it has been for me, business highs and mental health break throughs. I’m celebrating this very different holiday season by letting go of how things ‘should’ be. I’m choosing to trust myself, go with the flow of whatever happens and generally not making plans. The holiday season is my most anxious time of the year. But not this year, this year will be different, I’m holding space for myself and my feelings. Letting them pass through instead of being terrified of them or beating myself up for feeling things. Staying present and being so very grateful we get to be with family out of Auckland. This year I will be so very okay with simple, calm, flowy. This year will be different. I just know it. And I can’t wait!

All I want this Christmas is to be sitting in a cute outfit full of gratitude and trust in myself, letting go of ‘should s’, ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’. Just being. Maybe a little (lot) of BraveFace too!

Katherine Douglas, Founder, BraveFace

A chance to recalibrate on what is important and how to give back to others

This year has been hugely challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I am a huge planner which has always served me well in life but this year I have learnt that hard way that sometimes you just have to surrender to the fact that life has a different plan for you. The launch of BraveFace, after 2.5 years in the making, and seeing what a positive impact it is having in people’s lives has been so rewarding but the demands of growing a brand in such an unpredictable environment has also taken a toll mentally. I have learnt an incredible amount both professionally and personally and hope to take some time over the holiday season to fully process all of that. I am so looking forward making memories with loved ones this holiday season and coming back in 2022 full of inspiration for the year ahead. For me it is a chance to recalibrate on what is important to me in my personal life, what I want to contribute in business and how I want to give back.

Jess Molina, Writer & Editor, Loudly Quietly

Holding on tighter and leaning into hope and joy

This festive season looks a little different and I have never been more excited to hold my loved ones close... literally! I always get emotional around the holiday season especially when I reflect back on the year that's been as I prepare for a new one. Especially this year. I have this immense gratitude for everyone who got vaccinated, who stepped up and played their part. I am so painfully aware that in a society that merits individualism, actions that are rooted with the collective good in mind still holds. I think of everyone who made it possible for us to be able to get close to one another again. And at Christmas lunch, when I'm finally surrounded by my vaccinated dearest, I'll be raising a glass to all of them.

Siposetu Duncan, Model & Creator

Making time for ‘me time’

Patience is a virtue, no really it is. I have identified how certain ‘norms’ within our fast paced, microwave lifestyle I have now had to change due to COVID-19. With that being said, I have tried to focus less on when my next deadline is due and focus more on the time I spend with my family, and even with myself. I think there were certain instances where I neglected the ‘me time’, trying to squeeze as much as I could into one day. So I guess patience has become applicable even in the way I choose to operate. Incorporating BraveFace into my daily self-care routine has helped me to stay on top while allowing myself the time to pause and look after me.

Zeenat Wilkinson, Founder, Sauce & Sauce Studios

It’s time to create new traditions and gather with purpose

I am letting go of the idea of going back to “normal”. I think it's time to accept we are witnessing a major transition in human history and facing reality is the best way forward by making some small sacrifices to keep ourselves and others safe. On that note, we won't be visiting or seeing any unvaccinated friends or family to take the pressure off our health system. Lots of outdoor picnics and gathering with purpose and creating the kind of lasting connections I want to create.

All I want on Christmas Day is a big cosy night in with Love Actually on telly, and ending with Braveface HeadRest Night Drops for a restful night.

About BraceFace

BraveFace empowers people who want to be the best they can with the tools they need to overcome unwanted feelings of stress and worry. Their proprietary herbal formulas use clinically proven ingredients that help to reduce feelings of stress and worry with ingredients such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Manuka Honey, Rosemary and Passion flower. BraveFace is also leading the conversations around mental health along with their Advisory Board composed of leading Naturopaths and Psychologists to give our community a holistic toolkit and support (where possible).

Shop BraveFace herbal supplements here.

This conversation was brought to you in partnership with our friends at BraveFace.

Images - Supplied. Sipo’s image via Nagnata

How friends of Sauce & BraveFace are celebrating the holidays (in COVID normal) this year