Reclaim Joy!
Oh the joy of holiday stress! We must love it, because millions of us do it, year after year. We all know that we have gotten inundated with expectations of ourselves and others to deliver the perfect holiday, but we get weighed down by the financial strain from gift-buying, travel expenses, and event planning. The pressure to create “perfect” holiday experiences or meet family expectations can feel overwhelming. Add in the disruption of routines, the crowded schedules, and, for some, the loneliness the season can bring, and it’s no wonder stress often takes center stage.
The holiday season is often portrayed as the “most wonderful time of the year,” filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of giving. But for many, the reality feels more like a whirlwind of obligations, endless to-do lists, and mounting stress. It’s easy to let the pressures of the holidays overshadow the fun and meaning of the season. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. While some of this increase can be attributed to the abundance of celebrations, let’s be honest—many people are also using it as a coping mechanism.
When you search for tips on managing holiday stress, you’ll find plenty of recommendations like setting boundaries, simplifying gift-giving, prioritizing what matters, and managing expectations. While I fully support these strategies, they all require a proactive approach. The reality is, most of us don’t realize we’re overwhelmed until we’re already deep into the chaos of the season.
This isn’t a scientific, fact-based guide to managing stress—it’s about my personal journey to finding strategies that work for me. I’ve leaned heavily on meditation as a coping tool, but I know that not everyone has a regular practice, and even for those of us who do, it’s not always enough. Over the years, I’ve developed some simple yet effective techniques to handle stress, especially during the holidays.
The main strategy I rely on is Stop… Breathe… Reframe—or what I call my “SBR” survival kit. It’s quick, easy, and can be done right in the middle of chaos when you feel like you’re about to lose your mind. Here’s how it works:
- Stop what you’re doing,
- Take three slow, deep breaths, and
- Reframe the stressful moment with a new, more positive perspective.
For example, cooking during the holidays is a major stressor for me. I often feel completely overwhelmed trying to get everything on the table. This past Thanksgiving, I paused in the middle of the kitchen, took three deep breaths, and reframed the moment by reminding myself how lucky I was to be with my family and that my loved ones would still enjoy the meal even if everything wasn’t perfectly timed.
It might sound almost too simple to be effective, but it works. Taking a moment to stop, acknowledge how you’re feeling, and shifting your mindset helps calm your nervous system and brings you back to center. Sometimes, the simplest tools can make the biggest difference.
At its heart, the holiday season is about connection, gratitude, and celebration. By shifting focus away from perfection and toward what truly matters, it’s possible to rediscover the magic of the season. After all, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed—not endured.
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