The holidays are supposed to be joyful — but let’s be honest, they can also be a lot. Between travel, family schedules, end-of-year deadlines, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy for “the most wonderful time of the year” to feel more like a marathon. The good news: a little preparation now can help you stay calm, centered, and actually enjoy the season.
1. Set boundaries early
You don’t have to say yes to everything — and that’s not selfish, it’s healthy. Setting boundaries helps you protect your time, energy, and peace of mind. As one therapist puts it, boundaries are “guidelines for where you end and someone else begins.” Start by identifying what feels draining and where you can say no with kindness. Protecting your peace creates space for real joy [1].
2. Focus on moments, not perfection
Trying to make every detail flawless is a fast track to burnout. Instead, focus on connection and presence. Forbes recommends lowering the bar for perfection and paying attention to the memories being made — even if the dinner is late, the wrapping paper’s crooked, or the cookies are a little too brown [2]. The most meaningful traditions usually come from imperfection, not polish.
3. Build in real breaks
Even short pauses can help you reset. According to Headspace, taking ten minutes for deep breathing, a walk, or quiet reflection can calm your nervous system and bring your attention back to what matters [3]. Schedule those moments on purpose — because peace isn’t accidental, it’s something you create.
4. Remember what matters
At the end of the day, holidays are less about keeping up and more about slowing down. Gratitude, laughter, and time with people who make you feel safe and seen — those are the things that last into the new year.
So plan less, breathe more, and let calm lead the way this season.
Sources:
[1] PsychAlchemy. “A Therapist’s Guide to Setting Healthy Boundaries This Christmas.” https://psychalchemy.org/blog/f/a-therapist%E2%80%99s-guide-to-setting-healthy-boundaries-this-christmas
[2] Forbes. “How to Manage Your Stress During the Holidays.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2018/12/18/how-to-manage-your-stress-during-the-holidays/
[3] Headspace. “Holiday Stress.” https://www.headspace.com/articles/holiday-stress
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