Holiday Survival Guide: 7 Essential Tips to Manage Stress and Enjoy the Season

“There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” – Henry Kissinger 

The holiday season can be a time of excitement and connection, but it also has a way of magnifying our to-do lists. Whether it’s year-end deadlines, gift shopping, hosting events, or coordinating family gatherings, this time of year can feel like a marathon that leaves us depleted before we even cross the finish line.  

Many of us find ourselves juggling work, financial pressures, and social obligations, and if we don’t actively manage this stress, a sense of overwhelm can become a real experience. Let’s explore seven practical and uplifting ways to help you stay grounded and resilient this holiday season. 

1. Get Organized to Stay Sane

With so many moving parts, organizing your time is crucial. But simply putting everything on a list isn’t enough. You need a plan that allows for flexibility and self-care, not just checking off tasks. 

• Prioritize Your Essentials: Start by identifying the non-negotiables. What truly needs to get done, and what can be simplified or even skipped? Prioritize tasks based on urgency, and try to set realistic deadlines. 

• Break Down Big Tasks: Instead of writing “decorate house” or “holiday shopping” as one giant task, break it down into smaller steps. This will make each activity feel more manageable and keep you from feeling overwhelmed. 

• Create Space for Downtime: Yes, schedule downtime! Block off moments for yourself to unwind, whether it’s a morning coffee in peace, a favorite holiday movie, or just 10 minutes to breathe, create time for a break.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris 

2. Harness the Joy of Giving

The holidays are a perfect time to focus on the true spirit of generosity, which can be an antidote to stress and isolation. Studies show that giving can actually boost our happiness and well-being, as it strengthens connections and brings a sense of pleasure. 

• Make Giving Personal: Instead of just ticking off a gift list, think about what would truly bring joy to your loved ones. A heartfelt letter or a small, meaningful gesture can often mean more than an expensive gift. 

• Give to Your Community: Volunteering or donating to a cause close to your heart can deepen the sense of meaning this season brings. Consider spending a day at a shelter, supporting a food drive, or simply paying it forward with random acts of kindness. 

• Practice Gratitude: Giving doesn’t have to be material. Simply expressing gratitude to those around you—friends, family, colleagues—can help spread positivity and remind you of the supportive relationships in your life. 

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James 

3. Find Moments to Laugh

Humor is a powerful stress-reliever that can help break up feelings of tension, and it’s especially beneficial during a busy season. Laughter reduces cortisol, boosts endorphins, and can provide an expanded perspective on life and our situation. 

• Add Humor to Your Daily Routine: Watch a funny video during lunch, listen to a comedy podcast, or turn on a holiday movie that makes you laugh out loud. Surround yourself with people who bring out your lighter side, and give yourself permission to let loose. 

• Use Humor as a Coping Tool: When things go awry (as they often do around the holidays), try to see the humor in the situation. Forgot the cookies in the oven? Running late to a holiday party? Laugh it off—it’s all part of the season’s chaos. 

• Create Your Own Fun Traditions: Whether it’s a silly holiday sweater contest, a funny family photo, or a playful game, creating moments of humor can help you embrace the fun of the season instead of getting bogged down by stress. 

“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.” – Aesop’s Fables 

4. Protect Your Sleep and Rest

When we’re pressed for time, sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. However, consistent rest is essential for managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook.   

• Set a Sleep Routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same times, even on weekends. This will help regulate your sleep cycle, leaving you more refreshed each morning. 

• Power Down Before Bed: Limit screen time an hour before sleep and try a relaxing activity, like reading or listening to calming music. Small changes like these can enhance your sleep quality. 

• Nap if Needed: If your schedule allows, a short nap (10–20 minutes) can be incredibly rejuvenating. Don’t feel guilty for resting—it’s an investment in your energy and mental health.

“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama 

5. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Energy

With holiday events, family visits, and work obligations, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Learning to set healthy boundaries can protect your energy and prevent resentment or burnout. 

• Say “No” Gracefully: Politely decline invitations or commitments that don’t align with your needs or priorities. It’s okay to let people know if you’re keeping things low-key this year. 

• Be Clear About Your Needs: If you need a quiet evening to recharge, communicate this to family or friends. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you unkind or selfish—it shows that you value your well-being. 

• Guard Your Work Time: During the holiday season, there’s often pressure to take on extra responsibilities. Be firm about your limits and prioritize your existing tasks, ensuring that work stress doesn’t spill over into your personal time.]

“Every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else.” – Michael Hyatt 

6. Simplify Gift-Giving

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be a major source of financial stress. By simplifying the process, you can focus more on connection and less on expense. 

• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Give yourself a reasonable limit on holiday spending, and make sure it’s an amount that won’t add stress. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. 

• Opt for Experiences Over Things: Instead of buying physical gifts, consider planning a fun day out or creating an experience that brings joy and connection. These moments are often more memorable than material gifts. 

• Agree on a Gift Cap with Loved Ones: Many people feel relieved when they can set expectations with family and friends around gift-giving. A White Elephant exchange or Secret Santa can keep it lighthearted without pressure.

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” – Seneca 

7. Practice Mindfulness and Go with the Flow

The holiday season is known for both joys and stresses, and our approach to the season can make all the difference. Practicing mindfulness helps us stay calm, focused, and present during hectic moments. 

• Take a Few Deep Breaths: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, pause to take a few deep breaths, focusing on your inhale and exhale. Even 30 seconds of this can help you feel centered. 

• Stay Grounded in the Present: Instead of thinking about everything that needs to be done, focus on the task in front of you. Mindfulness allows us to engage with each moment, reducing the feeling of overwhelm. 

• Accept Imperfections: The holidays don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful. If things go off-track, remember to be kind to yourself. Embrace the messiness, and let go of any pressure to make it all “perfect.”

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha 

This holiday season, prioritize balance, joy, and self-care. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to ask for support, whether from loved ones or a mental health professional. The true spirit of the season isn’t found in perfection but in connection, kindness, and taking care of yourself along the way. 

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.