2.) Seek Moments of Solitude
Jesus made it a priority to get away from the crowds so he could spend time with his Father. When life is busy, moments with God are even more important. You may not be able to get away for hours, so it may mean that you have to experience solitude right where you are. Enjoy the quiet while taking a shower. When driving by yourself in the car, don’t crank up the radio or make a call; use the space to feel God’s presence. These can be times to sit quietly with Him, or you can even use these moments to pray and talk with God.
3.) Maintain Healthy Habits
Don’t let the holiday season derail your healthy habits, and this is where planning out your season can be extra helpful. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and ask for help when you need it. Making time for daily movement is great for your body, yes, but can also be a powerful stress reliever. In fact, taking care of your physical health contributes to a positive mindset and more energy, which can help you tackle holiday demands.
4.) Simplify Your Celebrations
Amidst the flurry of holiday preparations, think of ways you can scale back. I know it can be difficult to cut back on obligations and traditions, but sometimes it’s the best thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones. Maybe you don’t send Christmas cards to your long list (truth be told I quit doing this about 12 years ago and I’ve never felt the need to add it back). Your gifts don’t have to be wrapped perfectly (I love using gift bags because they’re so easy). Maybe you only put up half of your holiday decorations. I love to entertain in my home, but what makes things more enjoyable is asking people to bring a dish for the meal. And, if they offer to help clean up, I accept their help. Where can you accept help this holiday season?
5.) Fully Engage in Each Moment
Time may feel limited during this busy season, but when you do have moments to yourself or with loved ones, make them count. Resist the urge to spend this special time scrolling through social media or creating the “perfect” social media post. Instead, engage in meaningful conversations, put away electronics, and savor moments of togetherness. In a world that often pressures us to create the perfect holiday, reflect on what truly matters. Is it the meticulously curated table setting or the spontaneous laughter with loved ones? Show up and enjoy each moment to the fullest.
6.) Organize and Plan Ahead
Even if you thrive on a packed schedule, having a plan helps ensure everything gets done without feeling overwhelmed. When it comes to food prep, I plan meals and create detailed grocery lists, so I only need one store trip each week. Similarly, setting alarms and writing out daily to-do lists keeps me on track and reduces nighttime stress. I also recommend writing out a rough list of all the festivities and obligations you currently have planned – this means everything from decorating your Christmas tree to your town’s tree lighting ceremony to the Christmas shows at school and church. When you have your list made, write it out on a calendar. Having a visual aid of all your plans this season can help you figure out what things you actually need and want to do, and what things should maybe be changed or removed from your routine this year.
7.) Prioritize What Matters
To reduce holiday stress and experience more joy, it’s essential to prioritize the things that are most important to you. What are the habits and routines that you know will help you to feel your best? Put them on your calendar before adding anything else. I know that for me, exercise and reading my Bible are two activities that really help me relax, feel grateful, and stay focused, so I make sure that I have time designated each day for these activities. If serving others fills you up, then carve out time to go serve. If it’s having coffee with a friend, then pick up the phone and make a plan. By committing to the activities that help you to thrive your holidays will be more joyful.
One of the most important steps to finding peace and reducing stress during the holidays is learning to say “no” when necessary. You may have a strong desire to please others (something so many of us struggle with), but it’s essential to know your limits and set boundaries. Don’t feel compelled to say “yes” to every invitation or request. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, politely decline and explain that you value the relationship but need to create space in your calendar. Suggest scheduling a get-together after the holiday rush.
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