How Lauren Chan Celebrates the Holidays Her Way

The holidays have a way of throwing expectations at us—perfectly wrapped gifts, pristine table sets, nonstop gatherings, and matching family pajamas that look effortless but actually took way too much time to plan. 

For model and entrepreneur Lauren Chan, though, the holidays are less about some curated vision and more about doing what feels good. These days, that looks like doing what feels right for her, blending her family traditions with those of her partner, and carving out moments of self-care.

She approaches the season as an invitation to unwind, reflect, and create new traditions alongside her partner. As Lauren says, her holidays are focused on “doing what I need to recharge, reflect on the year and how much I've grown, or haven’t, what I want to focus on next, and really relax from work, and take time to just be.”

Her fashion pedigree (she’s the founder of inclusive clothing brand Henning and a former Glamour editor), gives Lauren an air of laid-back refinement—and her approach to this season is all about bringing this sense of ease to cultivating down-to-earth joy and cozy vibes, with a sprinkle of spontaneity. 

So whether you’re looking to redefine your holiday or just need a reminder that joy comes from small, meaningful rituals, here’s Lauren’s guide to celebrating the holidays, your way.

Blending Traditions: Creating Something New and True

For Lauren, sharing the holidays with her partner has meant combining family traditions with a bit of personal flair. “I have a new family with my new partner, and so last year was our first Christmas together, and it was really interesting to incorporate traditions from her family, mine, and some new things of our own,” she says.  

Rather than planning a jam-packed holiday agenda, the two opted for a quiet, personalized celebration in an Airbnb upstate. “We did our own holiday in an Airbnb, upstate New York, and we made some of the dishes that were familiar from our families, and did things like opening presents at the same time,” says Lauren. “But it’s definitely new to just have us, the dog, hike, genuinely relax, and not have too much obligation, too many scheduled dinners, and just kind of be together.”

Self-Care During the Holidays: Giving Yourself Room to Pause

In recent years, Lauren has redefined what holiday self-care means to her, shifting from a packed schedule to something slower and more mindful. Before, her holidays used to mean rushing between commitments, making sure to see everyone and fit everything in.

Now, she gives herself permission to hit pause and use the season to recharge. “It really used to be focused on the hustle and bustle, seeing people, scheduled dinners, coming home to Canada, and making sure that I fit everything in for everybody else,” she shares. “I think that self-care for the holidays now, for me, looks like a moment to reset, recharge, reflect, and re-energize for the new year.”

Getting Cozy: Creating a Holiday Mood

Lauren’s holiday “love language” is all about ambiance—a relaxed setting, vibey music, and a good glass of red wine. 

“I love the feeling of the house when there's no Slack notifications going off, and you've got decorations up, and there's a little bit of music on, and there's a candle you can smell, and all you have to do that day is relax and cook,” she says effusively. “I just love that feeling. That's holiday love to me.”

When it comes to creating a festive atmosphere, magic-making is in the small things. For Lauren, it’s about capturing a feeling of ease and comfort in her space through sensory pleasures—the scent of a seasonal candle or the feeling of sharing a family recipe with someone you love. 

Reflect and Recharge: Finding Space to Reset

The end of the year is a natural moment to pause and reflect, giving Lauren time to consider where she’s been and where she’s headed. “I think that's the sweet secret recipe of the end of the year and the start of the new year,” she says. “It's both reflection on the last year and that reflection, as well as that pause, that studying of yourself allows space for you to think about what you want next.”

Instead of wrapping up the holidays with more things to do, she gifts herself a break—and maybe even a weekend away to relax. “What am I gifting myself this year? Time off. Maybe I'll get a little weekend away at a nice place and really relax.”

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By blending traditions, redefining self-care, and embracing a new holiday rhythm, Lauren’s approach is proof that holiday traditions are best when they stay true to what feels good to you. 

It’s a much-needed reminder that when we take a step back from seasonal pressures, make space to recharge, share small, meaningful moments, and create personalized rituals, we really can make the holidays our own.