Dear friend,
How are you today? Hope you are having a lovely week so far, with Christmas right down in the middle. Are you still recovering from all the food? While preparing for the holidays, my discipleship cohorts discussed the overindulgence that can happen in this season, and how it can become a trip wire for your good habits stacked all year.
Overindulgence in spending money, eating, late nights, bad food quality, poor exercise patterns, and alcohol. Exposure to environments that are not edifying for our spirits, exposure to people we would not normally be exposed to.
I want to remind you that not everything offered in this period should be taken. Pass on some things, keep your good life going, stack good habits, pray more, and meet good people. Trust me when I say you are not missing anything that will eventually harm you.
Focus!!!
The holidays are meant to sparkle with joy, family gatherings, and cozy moments by the fire. But let’s be real—between shopping marathons, endless meal prep, and that one relative who always stirs drama, holiday stress can sneak up fast.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed already, you’re not alone. I imagine how the shops are right now. The frenzy with everyone outside, homes empty, and people trying to get somewhere.
The good news? Simple tweaks can help you manage holiday stress and reclaim that festive peace.
Why Holiday Stress Hits So Hard (And How to Spot It)
Picture this: You’re rushing through decorations while your to-do list grows longer than a string of Christmas lights. Holiday stress often builds from packed schedules, high expectations, and the pressure to make everything perfect. You might notice tight shoulders, snapping at loved ones, or that nagging exhaustion that no amount of alcohol fixes.
The key to holiday stress relief starts with awareness. Pause and check in with yourself. Are you skipping meals or losing sleep? Are you overspending? The stress of mounting credit card bills and depleted savings should not be underestimated. Think about ways to gift that don’t bankrupt you.
Recognizing these signs early lets you hit the brakes before burnout takes over.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Festive Peace
One of the best ways to reduce holiday stress is drawing a line in the sand. Say no to that extra party invite if it means sacrificing your downtime. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re your secret weapon for a relaxing festive season.
- Politely decline overwhelming commitments: “I’d love to, but my plate’s full this year.”
- Limit guest lists: Keep gatherings intimate to foster real connections over chaos. I love to host, so this one was a boundary I put for myself this year. No capacity means that I can’t do it with joy, so no thanks.
- Schedule buffer time: Block out “me moments” amid the frenzy, like a quiet walk after dinner. Especially if you are celebrating with a larger group. Find time to connect with yourself, your spouse, and your loved ones outside the festivities.
- Look at your money, eyeball it, save some, cap your spending, enjoy being at home and not spending 🤑.
These small acts recharge you, turning potential meltdowns into merry memories.
Prioritize Self-Care for Holiday Stress Relief
Self-care isn’t a luxury during the holidays—it’s essential. Think of it as fueling your inner elf to handle the hustle. Start your day with something simple that grounds you, whether that’s a warm cup of tea, journalling, prayer, long bath or shower, healthy food prep, or a few deep breaths.
Here’s a quick self-care routine to weave into your days:
- Morning ritual: Stretch gently or journal three things you’re grateful for. Don’t wake up and get up immediately, pause and be thankful for your breath.
- Midday reset: Step away for five minutes of fresh air—no phone allowed. Read somewhere that after one hour in front of your computer, you should take a 10min walk. If you have a green space or water around you, even better.
- Evening wind-down: Dim the lights, play soft music, have a night bath with relaxing bath salts, sip herbal tea, drink water, and skip the late-night scroll. Don’t start serious conversations before bedtime, pray, and be thankful for the day.
Consistency here makes managing holiday stress feel effortless, leaving room for what truly matters: joy, peace, and Jesus.
Simplify Traditions Without Losing the Magic
Who says the holidays need to be a production? Streamlining traditions cuts stress while keeping the heart intact. Swap the multi-course feast for a potluck where everyone chips in, or pick one meaningful activity over a dozen half-hearted ones.
Get creative:
- Opt for store-bought treats if baking from scratch drains you.
- Wrap gifts together as a family game night instead of solo marathons.
- Focus on experiences: A holiday movie marathon beats obligatory card-sending.
Simplifying frees up energy, helping you savour the season’s warmth.
Lean on Connection to Ease Holiday Overwhelm
Holidays shine brightest with people who lift you. Combat isolation-fueled stress by nurturing real bonds. Reach out to a friend for a low-key coffee chat, or share the load with family—delegate tasks like setting the table or playlist curation.
Don’t underestimate a heartfelt talk: “Hey, this season’s intense—want to team up?” True connection dissolves tension, making your festive season truly relaxing. Embrace Imperfection for Lasting Holiday Bliss
Perfection is the ultimate holiday stress thief. Dropped cookies? Mismatched ornaments? Let it go. The magic lives in the messy, laughter-filled moments, not Instagram perfection.
Remind yourself: A relaxing festive season comes from presence, not flawlessness. Breathe through slip-ups, hug it out, and watch stress melt away.
You can Support My Work
Connection is the essence, not performance.
There you have it—a roadmap to managing holiday stress without the overwhelm. Try one tip today and build from there. What’s your go-to for holiday stress relief—share in the comments below!
Until next time — stay warm, stay growing, stay loving, stay whole.
With love and light,
Amaka.
