The holiday season often means a relaxing time with loved ones and a whirlwind of expectations. Family, friends, gifts, memories, and food mean both joy and stress. Here are some strategies to help with a steady holiday season.
Be realistic
The holidays are rarely “perfect” and you don’t have to be either. Your energy, time, and boundaries are allowed to be finite. If family dynamics feel heavy or triggering, name your needs, set limits, and protect your peace.
Feel what you feel
Grief, joy, loneliness, excitement, wonder – these feelings might all mingle during the holidays. Let yourself feel whatever shows up. Cry if you need to, lean on people you trust for support and do the things that help you feel centered, grounded, and safe.
Reach out
Connection matters. So send that text, engage in the group chat, and say yes to the coffee walk. Isolation lies to you, making you forget the value of sharing time and space with people. Community reminds you who you are.
Press pause on differences
Not every gathering needs to be a battleground. When someone brings up something loaded, breathe before reacting. Ask yourself if you have capacity to talk about it in that moment. It’s ok to step away and save hard conversations for later. And consider this your permission slip to limit time with people who drain you.
Stick to a budget
Your worth is not measured by what you spend. Decide on a number and honor it. Ideas to keep things low cost – split the bill, give time rather than things, repurpose items. Presence means more than presents.
Plan what you can
A little structure makes big shifts in ease. So…make lists. Choose days for tasks. Block downtime. Schedule time to connect. And remember you don’t have to carry everything alone. Ask for help. Really.
Practice self-compassion
Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a kid you adore. Try:
- I’m doing the best that I can.
- This is hard and it makes sense that I feel this way.
- I’m safe and supported.
Sit with those words for a bit whenever you need them.
Say no
No is a complete sentence. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Protect your time, energy, and joy.
Do health gently
Over break, make time for what helps you feel alive and steady.
Try:
- Gratitude practices (even tiny moments count!).
- Picture the best case scenario.
- Move your body in ways that feel good.
- Sleep well and enough.
- Breathe deeply.
- Limit doomscrolling.
- Focus on food flexibility. Remember that all foods (yes, all foods!) have nutrition to offer. Savor the holiday flavors!
- Give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt.
- Volunteer or help someone.
Take breaks
A few minutes of quiet can reset your whole day. Meditation apps, soft music, silence, a quiet walk outside – whatever works. Use your pause to remember a moment that felt good.
Get help when you need it
If you’re hurting, stuck, numb, or overwhelmed – and especially if it lasts 2+ weeks – reach out to a doctor, therapist, or someone trained to walk with you through your challenge. Asking for help shows strength, and we all need help sometimes.
You get to shape the season
Instead of letting the holidays run you over, choose what supports you. Name your triggers, protect your balance, hold space for joy when it comes, and give yourself grace. You deserve it all!