Are the holidays starting to feel more like stress than joy? Are you overwhelmed by obligations and barely finding a moment for yourself? Struggle to set healthy boundaries when it comes to family and the holidays? If you’ve ever wondered how to reclaim the magic of the season on your terms, you’re not alone.
The Truth About Holiday Stress
The holidays can easily drain your energy if you don’t carve out time for yourself. As we’ve discussed before, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It’s absolutely required if you’re going to show up fully for the people you love.
Creating Space for Joy
Schedule time for yourself as non-negotiable. This could be:
- A quiet morning walk
- A warm bath
- Simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace before everyone wakes up
Implement daily micro-moments of mindfulness to keep yourself grounded, even when the world around you is full of chaos.
Letting Go of Perfect
It’s time to let go of perfectionism. Your holiday doesn’t need to be Instagram perfect—it just needs to feel good for you. Consider creating fun new traditions, like ordering in pizza or Chinese food instead of cooking a big traditional meal. This saves both the stress of cooking and gives you more time to enjoy the people you’re with.
Setting Boundaries with Love
When it comes to the holidays, boundaries are crucial. Remember, boundaries aren’t walls—they’re actually pathways to a more peaceful, joyful experience. Setting boundaries ensures that you’re not overextending yourself or sacrificing your wellbeing for the sake of others.
Practical Scripts for Setting Boundaries:
Instead of saying “I can’t come to everything,” try: “I’m excited to join you for Christmas Eve dinner, and then I’ll be spending Christmas morning creating some special memories with my kids.”
Instead of “That’s too much,” try: “I want to show up fully present when we’re together, so I’m choosing to focus on one event rather than trying to do it all.”
Creating New Traditions
The holidays often come with a weight of tradition, but are you doing things just because that’s the way it’s always been done? Remember—the rules are all made up. You get to decide which traditions work for you and which ones don’t.
Consider:
- Replacing gift-giving with shared experiences
- Creating treasure hunts instead of traditional presents
- Having a holiday brunch instead of formal dinner
- Planning a cozy evening with friends
- Taking a solo self-care day
- Volunteering for a cause you care about
Signs Your New Boundaries Are Working
- You wake up feeling excited rather than anxious about the holidays
- You can say no to additional commitments without guilt
- Your sleep quality stays consistent throughout the season
- You find yourself present and enjoying moments instead of merely surviving them
- Your relationships feel more authentic and connected
- You have energy left at the end of celebrations
Taking Action
Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters most to you this holiday season. What traditions bring you joy? Where do new boundaries need to be set? How can you incorporate more self-care into your routine?
Remember, you deserve to celebrate in a way that feels aligned with who you are, not just who you’ve always been. The holidays don’t have to be a time of stress and overcommitment. You have the power to prioritize your wellbeing, set boundaries that protect your energy, and create traditions that bring you real, lasting joy.
Ready to dive deeper into creating healthy boundaries and authentic relationships? Tune into the full episode here:
Additional Resources
Love, Unstuck Book & Bonuses: Ready to transform how you show up during the holidays and beyond? Love Unstuck is packed with tools for setting healthy boundaries, honouring your needs, and creating authentic connections–everything you need to navigate family dynamics and create more joy this season. Get your copy today!
Sweary AF Meditations Need a quick escape from holiday chaos? These unique, no-BS meditations are perfect for finding your f*cking zen between family gatherings or when you need a moment of peace. Each meditation takes less than 5 minutes but can transform your holiday mood from stressed to blessed. Check them out here.
Additional resources and offerings
More Great Content
Embracing Peaceful Holidays: The Power of Boundaries
Holiday Harmony: 5 Tips to Feast & Family Bliss
A Self-Care Revolution: Why Putting Yourself First Isn’t Selfish
Master Boundaries for Healthier Relationships and Self Growth
Listen/ Watch
S3E32 | Navigating the Holidays: Self-Care, Boundaries, and New Traditions
For more insights and discussions, don’t forget to subscribe to Create Your Happy on your favourite podcast player, and grab your copy of my book, “Love, Unstuck.”. Together, let’s redefine what it means to be successful in our relationships.
