Holidays are meant to be joyful and fun, yet they often add more obligations to our already busy lives. Here are five tips to make your holiday season less stressful and filled with more authentic joy:
Clarify What Really Matters
Most holidays are about giving —sometimes through gift exchanges and other times by spending time together, traveling across the country, cooking big meals, or honoring traditions. If any of the “giving” has started to feel draining, it’s likely others in your circle feel the same. Often, we assume that traditions we’ve outgrown are still deeply important to others, without checking in. The first step is to clarify what truly matters to you and everyone involved. Others may also feel obligated, just as you have, to uphold certain traditions. By having open conversations, you can create new traditions that work better for everyone.
Eliminate or Contain Whatever Seems Nonessential or Draining
The vast majority of people feel like they have too much to do during the holidays. Identify activities that might not be as meaningful anymore and consider letting them go. Save time and money by skipping unnecessary gift exchanges, or replace them with simpler white elephant swaps or charitable donations. Spend time with people you genuinely want to see or those who need your support, but consider seeing others at a different time of year. Say no to parties that you no longer have the energy to attend.
Simplify the Less Personal Obligations
There will always be some things you want to do, but still feel draining. These are the obligations you want to simplify. For example, if you have a tradition of giving your work team small gifts during the holidays, and it often causes you stress trying to figure out what to do for everyone, try simplifying it by making your special homemade bread, purchasing lottery tickets for everyone, or getting ideas from the internet that resonate with you and seem easy. Then reserve the harder thinking for people where the effort feels worth it and you know your gesture will be truly valued.
Focus on the Few Things That Matter Most
Identify the top 3-5 things that matter most to you this holiday season. It could be anything from sending holiday cards to volunteering to hosting a party but try to keep it to no more than five. In the past with so much to do, you may have rushed through these things. You might not have been able to enjoy them as much as you would have if you had not been pulled in so many other directions. This year, prioritize these select few and allow yourself the time to be fully present. Think about why each particular thing got on your short list and allow yourself the time and space to really do it the way you want to do it. Get creative and feel the joy. Enjoy pulling something off that truly makes a difference in a way that matters to you.
Leave Room for Surprises
Unexpected things always come up, and during the busy holiday season, they can throw you off more than usual. Maybe the weather disrupts plans, or a last-minute guest needs a place to stay, or someone falls ill, prompting a change of plans. While you can’t predict exactly what will arise, you can plan some open time in your schedule. This buffer will give you the flexibility to handle unexpected events and eliminate stress.
Conclusion
Remember, sometimes reducing your stress is the best gift you can give those around you! Enjoy your holidays and I look forward to connecting with you again as you begin to plan for the new year!
