Your 9-Step Holiday Stress Game Plan

Post -Thanksgiving Week Mini-Series: Holiday Stress, Unwrapped (Part Three)

Here we are—the part of the mini-series where everything comes together. You’ve seen why the holidays stress us out.

You’ve probably recognized a few scenarios you’ve lived through, survived, and possibly sworn never to repeat.

Now let’s talk solutions.

Not the picture-perfect, life-overhaul kind.

The realistic kind.

The kind you can actually do while living a real life with real people in a real house where someone keeps misplacing the tape.

This is your Holiday Stress Game Plan—short, simple, and designed to help you move through the season with a little more ease.

1. Lower the Bar (Yes, Really)

Think of holiday expectations like heavy ornaments: they look nice, but your tree doesn’t need all of them.

Let some things be good enough.

Store-bought dessert? 

Fine.

Rewearing last year’s outfit?

Absolutely.

Not sending holiday cards until January? 

Honestly, iconic.

2. Set Boundaries Without Apologizing

You are not obligated to attend every event, host every gathering, or solve every family conflict.

Try:

“I can’t make that one, but I hope it’s wonderful.”

“Let’s keep it simple this year.”

“I love you, but I’m not discussing that topic today.”

Clear. Kind. Stress-reducing.

3. Build Tiny Pockets of Calm Into Your Day

You don’t need a full spa day. You need small buffers.

A 10-minute walk.

A quiet cup of tea before bed.

A few deep breaths in the car before going inside.

Listening to a favorite playlist while wrapping gifts.

These little resets add up—and they prevent the emotional equivalent of holiday burnout.

4. Simplify Your Spending

Holiday expenses sneak up fast. A few easy safeguards:

Set a gift budget and stick to it

Use lists (don’t rely on memory, it’s tired too)

Get creative: baked gifts, handwritten notes, experience coupons

Your wallet—and your stress level—will thank you.

preparing the family for the holidays

5. Delegate or Co-Create

You don’t have to be the one-person holiday production team.

Let people help:

Ask guests to bring a dish

Give kids simple tasks

Split hosting duties

Use shortcuts guilt-free

Teamwork is holiday magic too.

6. Expect (and Accept) Imperfection

Something—something—will go sideways. It always does.

A forgotten ingredient.

A late package.

A lopsided gingerbread house.

A family moment that doesn’t go quite as planned.

When it happens, try to laugh if you can. If you can’t? Take a step back, breathe, and remind yourself this is temporary.

Even messy moments become part of the story.

7. Protect Your Energy Like It’s Battery Life

You wouldn’t let your phone die on purpose. Don’t do it to yourself either.

Ask yourself:

What drains me?

What restores me?

What am I doing out of obligation instead of joy?

Your time and attention are limited. Spend them like something valuable.

8. Keep One Simple Tradition That Grounds You

A small ritual can anchor the entire season.

Maybe it’s:

Lighting a candle every evening

A morning gratitude moment

A neighborhood walk to see lights

One cozy movie night

Consistent, small traditions cut through the noise.

your relaxing candles are calling out to you, will you answer?

9. Remember: You’re Allowed to Feel How You Feel

If joy comes easily—lovely.

If it doesn’t—also valid.

The holidays are a blend of big feelings. Let them be what they are. When you stop forcing yourself to be cheerful, it’s amazing how often genuine joy slips back in on its own.

You’ve Got This

Stress doesn’t have to run the show this season. With a few intentional moves, you can create a holiday that feels calmer, kinder, and more human—without sacrificing the fun or the sparkle.

Up next, we’ll shift into a festive new chapter:

The Healthy 12 Days of Christmas — small, doable steps to create a brighter, lighter December.

Your season is about to get a whole lot easier.

If you really liked the tips we gave you in this article, you may also like this book!

"Your Health Is Your Wealth!!"