How to Stress Less at the Holidays – 3 Simple Tips

There is so much pressure this time of year. With our long list of plans, back-to-back parties and high expectations we place on ourselves, you might not be feeling in the Christmas Spirit. No shocker right? So how in the world do we stress less at the holidays?

First, we can only plan so much and keep our energy high this time of year.

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If your mind is overwhelmed with shopping lists, cleaning, and planning, take a minute just to take one big deep breath, then continue reading.

You’ve got this.

We’re going to help you stress less at the holidays, and it’s still going to be an amazing holiday.

If you’re feeling more like the Grinch than Santa, remember it’s okay to take time for you and to enjoy the sites and sounds around you.

It won’t matter if you’ve decorated perfectly, found the perfect gift for your aunt or mastered icing sugar cookies if you can’t enjoy it or our a grouch.

So let’s dig into those simple tips to stress less at the holidays!

Step 1: Drink a lot of wine…

Just kidding! Not that a glass of wine or eggnog isn’t tasty, it isn’t a long-term solution to holiday stress.

3 Simple Ways to Stress Less During the Holidays

1. Let Go of Perfect

Television, Pinterest, and certain family members or friends can glamorize what the holidays really look like.

Don’t stress if the chocolate pie is runny, the kids are running around half excited half out of control, and/or if the weather is going to cooperate.

We can only control so much. Is your worrying able to correct a situation? Probably not, let it go.

You are enough already. Your heart is in the right place, and you’re doing an amazing job. No one is the Waltons’ and the more we share that with others the ability for us to ALL let go of “perfect” becomes easier.

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2. Don’t be Afraid to Delegate

We are always busy it seems like. Add in shopping, wrapping presents, parties, extra nights at church or school, cooking, cleaning, and traveling – our brains need a break!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and delegate. For us, it’s about finding the best desserts in town and having our husbands pick them up versus baking them.

We also have someone help clean the house during the holidays.

If you have kids, give them a Christmas task like cleaning up their room, helping out in the kitchen with something away from the stove, or having your teen drive your little ones to their practices.

You might also splurge on having present gift wrapped or look into seasonal childcare to get your last minute shopping done.

It’s not wrong to ask for help. Your family will appreciate you being in a more calm, relaxed mood for the holidays and having the best dessert in town on their kitchen table.

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3. Manage Your Time

The holidays bring in so many new obligations and events. Don’t be afraid to prioritize what is most important to you and your family.

If it’s early enough, sit down with your family and ask them – “If we only did one tradition before Christmas Day, what would you pick?” and have a discussion.

This will help each one of you align what’s most important, and by knowing this first it’ll be easier to say…

“Thanks for the invitation. It means a lot to me, but unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend this year.”

With so many events going on, everyone feels a little over their head. If they are truly your friend, they’ll understand.

The same goes for your personal time. It’s more important now than any other time of the year to take time for yourself. Pressure is high, and that can wreak havoc on your immune system.

Finding time for yourself can help you feel more at peace, present in the moment and remember the sweet things happening right now in this season of your life.

As a part of managing your time, also figure out when technology and phones should be available and also put up as a family.

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Other Tips to Stress Less

• Don’t say Yes to every party
• Make time for you and your self-care
• A great time to find peace is your morning routine
• Splurge on gift wrapping or opt for gift bags
• Make a family game of giving acts of kindness to others
• Make sure to get your sleep – you need 7 hours!
• Put down the phone and technology and be present.
• Commit to doing a fun activity with the kids versus stressing over a workout.
• Or trade your workout for a 30-minute yoga routine
• Do your best and forget the rest!

How do you stress less at the holidays?

If you loved this post, also check out our full guide to having a healthy holiday!

We also put together a great roundup of healthy Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes for dinner!

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