25 Days of Self Care
25 Days of Self Care
(Mateo's Christmas Magic)
The 25 Days of Self Care project is a special initiative supported by our organization and coordinated by our dedicated intern, Ryann Galvez.
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This project is designed to complement her larger annual effort to decorate every NICU hosptal room in Winston Salem, NC, bringing warmth, cheer, and a touch of holiday magic to families spending the season in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
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The 25 Days of Christmas serves as a gentle resource for NICU families during the holidays—a place to pause, recharge, and experience moments of joy while caring for your newborn.
On this page, you’ll find a list of simple, meaningful activities created with NICU parents in mind.
Feel free to mix and match activities, personalize them, or participate in whatever way feels right for you on any given day. Our hope is to bring comfort, connection, and a little Christmas spirit to you and your family during this unique time.
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25 Days of Self-Care Activities
Day 1: Decorate your space
Take some time today to decorate your baby’s room. We hope the donated items make your room feel more like home this holiday season.
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Day 2: Take a walk
Exercise and movement are so important for your brain. If you are physically able, take a walk around the hospital or outside! Don’t forget there is a rooftop playground on the 12th floor!
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Day 3: Make the banner
With the decorations, you should have also received a bag that has all of the stuff you will need to make a festive banner for your baby’s room!
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Day 4: Journal
You can use this time and the space provided for free journaling, or you can use the prompt.
Prompt: What have I learned about myself through this journey?
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Day 5: Guided Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX2-vRRTkR4
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Day 6: Write a letter for next Christmas
Take some time to think about next Christmas. Write a letter for yourself to read next Christmas. It could include things you are looking forward to doing next Christmas.
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Day 7: Self-Check
How’s my mood today?
Intentions for the day.
What are 3 things you’re grateful for?
Positive affirmation for the day.
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Day 8: Take a long shower.
Take some time today to take a longer shower or bath. Get some deep breaths in and allow your mind and body to slow down for a moment.
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Day 9: Guided meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gTWzZBxlyI
Day 10: Watch a Christmas movie.
Many people find that watching Christmas movies gets them into the holiday spirit. I hope this brings you joy!
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Day 11: Rest
Find some time today to intentionally rest, whether that’s taking a nap or going to bed early.
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Day 12: Attend parent group in conference room.
Family Support Network is a wonderful organization that hosts meetings twice a month. Please join us in the conference room for snacks and a craft.
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Day 13: Self-Check
How’s my mood today?
Intentions for the day.
What are 3 things you’re grateful for?
Positive affirmation for the day.
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Day 14: Explore different hobbies.
Look online to see if there are new hobbies you would enjoy.
Day 15: Guided meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YojhZ1P2Z8I
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Day 16: Create a new holiday tradition.
Brainstorm some holiday traditions you would like to do, either this year or next.
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Day 17: Self-Check
How’s my mood today?
Intentions for the day.
What are 3 things you’re grateful for?
Positive affirmation for the day.
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Day 18: Rest
Find some time today to intentionally rest, whether that’s taking a nap or going to bed early.
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Day 19: Journal
You can use this time and the space provided for free journaling, or you can use the prompt.
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Prompt: What has been the hardest part of being in the NICU? What has helped me through it?
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Day 20: Take a walk
Exercise and movement are so important for your brain. If you are physically able, take a walk around the hospital or outside! Don’t forget there is a rooftop playground on the 12th floor!
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Day 21: Take a long shower
Take some time today to take a longer shower or bath. Get some deep breaths in and allow your mind and body to slow down for a moment.
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Day 22: Spend the day in PJs.
Christmas PJs or not, a relaxing PJ day is always fun!
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Day 23: Create a self-care plan
Self-care comes in many different forms. Please take some time to think about what you found comforting over the last several weeks and what you can continue doing to care for yourself.
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Day 24: Self-Check
How’s my mood today?
Intentions for the day.
What are 3 things you’re grateful for?
Positive affirmation for the day.
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Day 25: 1st Christmas scrapbook page
You should have received a bag with scrapbook materials in it at the parent group. Take some time to create a scrapbook page for you to look back on for many years to come.