How to keep holiday stress in check this season

The holidays have a way of stirring up every emotion at once. One minute you’re excited about the lights going up, and the next you’re stressed because the calendar is suddenly packed and your house looks nothing like the photos on Instagram. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short, even when you’re doing your best. Adjusting your expectations can take some of the pressure off and help you enjoy the parts of the season that truly matter.

Manage your expectations

A lot of holiday stress comes from holding onto an idea of how things are supposed to look. Movies, ads, and everyone else’s “perfect” posts make it seem like every gathering should be flawless. Realistically, they won’t be. Take a moment to check in with yourself about what you’re expecting this year. Some traditions may still feel doable. Others may not, and it’s okay to let those go.

Know your limits

There’s only so much time and energy to go around. If you’ve been invited to more events than you want to attend, pick the ones you truly care about and politely decline the rest. And if hosting feels like too much, scale it down or ask people to bring a dish or help with setup. Most friends and family are more than willing to pitch in when you’re honest about what you can handle.

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Set a budget

The holiday season can be stressful enough without worrying if you’re spending too much. Since money touches so many parts of daily life, financial stress can build quickly and feel overwhelming. Before the season gets underway, figure out what you can comfortably spend. Track expenses as you go so you aren’t surprised later.

Give thoughtfully

Holiday gifts don’t need to be expensive or elaborate. A small handmade gift, a shared experience, or even a donation in someone’s name can mean just as much as something wrapped in a box. Keeping gifts simple can also shift the focus from material things to actual connections.

Celebrate the holidays your way

Everyone has their own version of what the holidays should be. Before the holiday season starts, figure out what about it is most meaningful to you and use that as a guide to planning your activities. If you have a partner or kids, talk with them about what they want, too. Remember, there are no right or wrong ways to celebrate the holidays. Maybe you love big gatherings. Maybe you prefer something quieter. There’s no right or wrong way to do it.

Practice gratitude

Slowing down long enough to notice the good things in your life can help you stay grounded. You can jot a few things down in a journal, or just take a quick mental note each day. If someone in your life makes things easier or brighter, tell them. That small bit of connection can go a long way.

Take care of yourself

The holidays can be such a whirlwind that you can forget about self-care. Do what you can to eat well, sleep enough, and move your body. And try to make a little space for yourself, even if it’s just 10 minutes of quiet, a short walk around the block, or a chapter of a book.

Reach out if you need support

Holidays can be stressful. As a result, they can be harmful to your mental health. If you’re struggling, talk to someone you trust. And if what you’re feeling goes beyond what friends or family can help with, talking to a mental health professional can give you tools to manage the tougher moments.

Making peace with the holidays

You may fall short on creating the “perfect” holiday, but you can create a meaningful one. Letting go of expectations that don’t serve you and focusing on what important can make the season more enjoyable.