Holiday Cheer (and Calm): Simple Tips for a Happy Holiday Season

Ah, Christmas! That time of year filled with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and yes, a sprinkle of chaos. It’s the season of joy, but let’s be real—holidays can be as stressful as they are delightful. So how do you make the most of it? Here are a few simple, thoughtful tips to help you savor the season:

1. Reflect and Recreate

Start by looking back: What worked last year? What didn’t? Be honest with yourself. If the family board games turned into competitive chaos, maybe skip Monopoly this year. But if your secret cookie recipe brought smiles all around, make it again! Did you eat too much? Drink too much? Did you feel jolly on Christmas Eve?

— Think about the good stuff you want to recreate and plan to avoid what didn’t work.

2. Plan Your Boundaries

Boundaries aren’t just trendy—they’re necessary. Where will you spend your time? What conversations are you okay having? Take a moment to decide what feels right for you and what’s just not worth it. The key? Clarity. You can’t communicate boundaries to others if you aren’t clear with yourself first.

—Determine what you can and cannot say and do.

3. Scroll Mindfully

Social media is a holiday trap, isn’t it? Perfect trees, picturesque parties, and those matching family pajamas that somehow escaped disaster. It’s easy to compare. But instead of measuring your joy against someone else’s highlights, focus on your own moments. Share if you want, scroll if you must, but always come back to the blessings right in front of you.

—Limit screen time. When you are scrolling, focus on what you have rather than comparing.

I wish you the absolute best this holiday season!