HOLIDAY SEASON / LESS SURVIVAL MODE – MORE JOY

The holidays are just around the corner, and for many, it can feel like a mixed bag with some excitement and a lot more of dread. While nature’s natural rhythm during winter, is to slow down, our society and its traditions make us pick up the pace. From work to family gatherings and endless preparations—cleaning, cooking, gift shopping—it’s no wonder this time of the year leaves us feeling overwhelmed. The holiday season can definitely be exhausting and often leads to rising stress levels. It’s also a time when many of us can’t avoid encounters with difficult family members—the ones who ask the awkward questions, stir up conflicts, or criticize everything and everyone.

So, how can we actually enjoy this time of year without feeling anxious and stressed all the time?

1. You Don’t Have to Do It All on the Holiday Season
   
   First things first—remind yourself that you don’t have to go all out if you don’t want to. It’s completely okay to opt for a simpler, quieter holiday. You don’t need the biggest tree, the most expensive gifts, or the grandest dinners. In fact, you can even cancel it altogether if that’s what feels best for your mental and emotional health.
   
   If putting up the decorations or hosting a huge gathering is just too much, give yourself permission to say no. People may judge, but let’s face it—they probably do that anyway, right?
   
2. Create Joyful Moments
   
   If you do decide to participate in the festivities, focus on creating small, joyful moments rather than trying to make everything perfect. One great way to do this is through playing games: board games, card games, or even video games can bring laughter and the feeling of togetherness. The board game scene has exploded in recent years, so you’re bound to find something fun for everyone. Playing together lets you be present with loved ones without the pressure of orchestrating something elaborate.
   
3. Moderation Is Key
   
   The trick to enjoying the holidays without burning out is to knowing your limits.
   
   Whether it’s time, money, or your emotional battery, set the bar lower this year—try aiming for 80% or even, 60% instead of 100%. This will give you some breathing room and prevent the holiday hustle from taking over.
   
   You don’t need to attend every event, buy every gift, or say yes to every invitation. Mindfully choose what feels right for you and let the rest go.
   
   And on that note, our next tip:
   
4. Leave When You Want To
   
   Whether you’re at a family dinner, friend’s gathering, or the office holiday party… don’t feel pressured to stay longer than you’d like to. It’s perfectly fine to leave when you’ve had enough. Yes, people might try to convince you to stay, but remember—it’s your holiday too. Go home, cozy up, or take a walk if you need a break.
   
5. Manage Overwhelm
   
   Busy streets, crowded shops, and the endless to-do lists can make anxiety levels spike. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, deep breathing can be a lifesaver. Try gentle, flowing breaths, without holding them in, to calm your nerves.
   
   Another effective technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. Here’s how it works: Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
   
   In worst-case scenarios, it’s okay to simply leave the situation. In this day and age, online shopping is a great alternative that allows you to avoid the holiday chaos and shop from home anytime you want.
   
6. Take Care of Yourself
   
   Self-care should be our top priority, especially during the holidays. When you’re running on empty, it’s much easier to get stressed or triggered by little things. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and downtime when you can just kick back and relax, pick up a good book or put on your favorite holiday show. The more you take care of yourself, the more you can actually enjoy the holiday season.
   
7. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
   
   Planning ahead can make a world of difference. Whether it’s booking the trip to visit family, prepping meals, or shopping for gifts, organizing things in advance helps reduce the last-minute scramble.
   
   Make a simple timetable for what needs to get done and by when.
   
   Make a Gift List Early
   
   Start by creating a gift list well in advance. Write down everyone you plan to buy for, along with gift ideas and a budget for each person. This way, you can track your purchases and avoid last-minute shopping. Don’t forget to add in any wrapping supplies you’ll need! Some handy tips:
   
   Keep it digital: Use an app or spreadsheet to track what you’ve bought and spent.
   
   Order ahead: If you’re ordering gifts online, check delivery times to avoid delays.
   
   Plan Your Holiday Meals
   
   If you’re hosting or contributing to a holiday meal, planning your menu early can save you time and stress.
   
   – Plan which dishes can be made ahead of time to ease the pressure on the big day. You could even freeze some dishes in advance.
   – Make a list of dishes you’ll serve or bring, broken down by appetizers, mains, sides, and desserts
   – Use your meal plan to create a grocery list. This way, you won’t forget key ingredients or overspend on extras.
   – It is perfectly fine to order something instead of cooking!
   
   Create a Travel Checklist
   
   If you’re traveling over the holidays, a packing and preparation checklist can be a lifesaver:
   >>>Make sure you have tickets, IDs, hotel reservations, and any confirmations in one place.
   Plan for travel delays: Pack snacks, entertainment, and any must-haves like medicine in your carry-on or car in case of unexpected delays.
   
8. Be Kind to Yourself
   
   Lastly, remember to forgive yourself if things don’t go perfectly. Despite all your planning and best intentions, you might still get triggered or overwhelmed at times. And that’s okay! We’re all human, and managing emotions isn’t easy. Give yourself grace, and let go of any guilt.
   
   The holiday season should be about joy, not perfection. So, this year, try to relax, focus on what makes you happy, and let go of what doesn’t serve you. Whether you decide to go all out or keep things simple, the most important thing is that you feel good!

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