With its sparkling lights and joyful music, the holiday season often carries a less talked about companion: Added stress. Eight in ten Americans say the expectations and events around the holidays increase their focus, and many say it causes them to get less sleep. That might include you.
It’s the time of year when our calendars overflow with commitments, and our to-do lists stretch longer than Santa’s. Getting caught up in overdoing, overthinking, and over-expecting is easy.
With a few simple strategies, you can unwrap the happiness of the holidays without worry, overwhelm, or anxiety.
Here Are 12 Stress-Busting Strategies for a Peaceful Holiday Season
#1 Set Realistic Expectations: The Perfectly Imperfect Holiday
First, let go of the idea of a “perfect” holiday. It is a myth that does not happen. Embrace a perfectly imperfect holiday instead.
This means accepting that not everything will go as planned, which is okay. Uncle Joe may show up late. Someone may not like your gravy, and your table decorations might not turn out the way you planned. But the laughter, conversations, and memories are what truly matter.
#2 Know your Limits: The Art of Saying No
You are not a superhero, and it is crucial to recognize your limits. It is alright to say no to making everything from scratch. It’s okay to ask people to bring food for the celebration. Let it be a sign of strength to ask for help.
Remember, whenever you say yes to something, you say no to something else – often, that is your peace of mind.
#3 Budget Wisely: Financial Stress-Proofing
Money can be a significant stressor during the holidays. If you want that “perfect” holiday, overspending is easy.
Set a budget and stick to it. It’s not the price tag that makes a gift special; it is the thought behind it.
Consider handmade gifts or experiences. Our family loves adventures; it creates more memories as we live the experience. A promise of a picnic or a hike in nature is a great experience.
When it comes to hosting, don’t be shy; ask people to bring a favorite dish to share. It adds variety to the meal and creates conversations.
#4 Delegate: Teamwork Makes Everyone Matter
You do not have to do it all—delegate tasks to family members or friends. Perhaps your granddaughter can set the table, your partner can carve the turkey, and your friend can organize the buffet setup.
Delegating eases your load and involves others in a shared experience.
#5 Prioritize Self-Care: Your Well-being Matters
A lot of preparation and planning goes into a happy holiday. Do not forget to take care of yourself. Put activities on your to-do list that relax you. Maybe a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a few minutes doing grounding exercise.
Do what replenishes you: exercise, meditate, and create some art. A filled, you can enjoy the gathering more and handle your stress better.
#6 Keep Traditions But Be Flexible
Traditions are the backbone of holiday celebrations but should not become a straitjacket. Flexibility is the key here.
After children grow up and create their own family, it is not always possible for them to come to a family holiday celebration.
If a particular tradition causes more stress than joy, adjusting it or skipping it for a year is okay. That reminds me of when I attended two family celebrations in one day. How many feasts can a person eat in one day?
It might be time to create new traditions that align better with your lifestyle.
#7 Mindful Eating and Drinking: Enjoy, Don’t Overdo It
With a variety of holiday treats around, it is easy to overindulge, which can lead to the familiar feeling of being stuffed or feeling guilty for overdoing it.
Enjoy your favorite foods, but do so with awareness. Enjoy each bite, and remember moderation is key. Listen to your body’s cues and avoid eating or drinking to the point of discomfort.
Remember, the holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself to enjoy the entire season without health setbacks.
#8 Schedule Downtime: The Art of Doing Nothing
Block out time in your calendar when you have nothing planned. Yes, nothing. Use the time to relax, reflect, and recharge.
Moments of stillness sprinkled amid the chaos make a big difference in your overall stress level. Make yourself a priority, and you won’t regret it.
#9 Embrace Imperfections in Others
Just as you have your imperfections, extend that grace to others. The burnt pie, the late arrival, the less-than-enthusiastic toddler. Let these moments pass with a smile.
Everyone is under some form of holiday stress (even that toddler). A kind word or a gesture of understanding can go a long way in making the holiday atmosphere more pleasant for everyone.
Remember, everyone is doing their best.
#10 Connect Meaningfully
Holidays are about connections.
Make time for heartfelt conversations, play games, share stories, and laugh.
These are moments that will be cherished long after the season has passed.
#11 Seek Support if Needed
If you feel overwhelmed, reach out for help. Talking to friends, family, or a professional can provide relief and perspective.
Sometimes, voicing your feelings can be a significant relief.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you know your limits and you make yourself a priority.
#12 Reflect and Adjust for Next Year
After the holiday season, take time to reflect. What worked well? What caused stress? Perhaps you must start preparations earlier next year because it would give you more time and lower anxiety.
Maybe your reflection reveals that you need to simplify your plans and delegate more so everyone feels more peaceful.
Conclusion
The holiday is filled with joy, love, and some stress. With these 12 strategies, you can minimize stress and maximize your happiness.
There is no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate.
The key to a stress-free holiday lies in planning, knowing your limits, and focusing on what truly matters – connection and joy.
Remember, it is your holiday; tailor it to suit your needs and those of your loved ones.
Have a holiday season filled with more joy and less stress.
May your season be filled with laughter, love, and peace that lasts through the new year.
If you need more peace, sign up for your free Inner Peace Checklist here with tips and strategies.
I am Nancy Dadami, an Intentional Creativity Guide, Feng Shui Specialist, and entrepreneur. My mission is to help you achieve peace within yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. I am known for my talent in harmonizing the energies of your outer and inner worlds, cultivating a sacred space for inner peace, personal growth, and holistic well-being. Find out more here https://linktr.ee/nancydadami
