Let’s Make Your Holiday Season Less Stressful
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many people, they’re also the most stressful. The holidays bring up a lot for people; Family dynamics, financial pressure, grief and loss, unrealistic/unmet expectations, emotional exhaustion, and the list goes on.
Here’s the good news: holiday stress isn’t inevitable. There are ways to actually enjoy the parts of the holiday season that matter to you. Let’s break it down.
Decide What Actually Matters (and let the rest go)
You don’t have to say yes to every event, host the perfect gathering, or find the “perfect” gift. Ask yourself:
What do I genuinely want to experience this season?
What traditions or obligations drain me instead of fulfilling me?
Give yourself permission to choose joy over pressure. The holidays don’t need to look a certain way to “count.”
Set Boundaries
You’re allowed to choose what conversations, events, or behavior you’re willing to engage with. It’s not about being dramatic or declaring “boundaries.” It’s literally just taking care of your own sanity.
Try things like:
“I’m happy to stop by, but I won’t be staying long.”
“I’m not getting into that topic this year.”
“We’re keeping gifts simple this time.”
People might have opinions. That’s fine. You don’t have to hold the emotional fallout for anyone else.
Create a Financial Plan You Can Actually Stick To
Stress skyrockets when spending spirals. Try:
A gift budget you set before shopping
Low-cost or no-cost experiences with loved ones
Talking openly with close family about simplifying gifts this year
Remember: the holidays are about being with loved ones, not about buying the best gifts.
Prepare for Emotional Triggers
The holidays can stir up a ton of different feelings and emotions including grief, loneliness, unresolved family issues, or past memories. Identify ready-to-use coping skills you can keep in your back pocket. :
A grounding routine
A supportive friend you can text
A preplanned “escape route” for uncomfortable gatherings
A therapy session before or after holiday events
I would encourage you to jot down some potential issues that may come up for you, that way we already have an idea and can get prepared.
Breathe and Create Micro-Moments of Calm
Even five minutes matters:
Step outside for fresh air
Read scripture to help ground
Light your favorite holiday candle
Make a cup of coffee and savor it
Journal for a few minutes
Prioritize small moments of peace can really help with the outcome of your day.
Redefine What “Holiday Success” Means
Maybe this year “success” means:
Being more present with family
Not overextending yourself
Practicing gratitude
Not allowing others’ opinion to impact you
Being intentional instead of reactive
Creating one genuinely joyful moment
You get to choose your version of the holidays—not the one social media promotes.
If the holidays feel heavy, you’re not failing, you’re just noticing. And noticing is the first step toward doing things differently. You deserve a season filled with peace, connection, and authenticity, not pressure and burnout. Give yourself permission to slow down, opt out, simplify, and create a holiday experience that supports your well-being.
You’re not aiming for perfection, you’re aiming for peaceful.
