The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and joy—but for many of us, they can quickly turn into a whirlwind of endless to-do lists, social events, and juggling work-life balance. As a mom, entrepreneur, and influencer, I know how it feels to try to do it all—while keeping up with the holiday hustle. But here’s the good news: It’s possible to have a stress-free, joyful holiday season. The key is a little preparation, self-compassion, and the ability to give yourself grace.
Let’s talk about how we can actually make the holidays more fun and less frantic. I’ve got some tips to help you navigate the chaos while staying grounded in wellness and positive thinking
1. Embrace “Good Enough” Over Perfection
Let’s stop trying to do everything perfectly. Seriously. Between the kids’ school events, work deadlines, holiday shopping, holiday parties and family obligations, there’s just no room for perfection. And honestly, perfection can be boring
Instead, give yourself permission to embrace “good enough.” As my mom always says, don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. It’s all about creating memories, not stress. The holidays should be about the feeling you create, not the flawless execution of every single detail.
How to do it:
- Let go of the idea that everything needs to be “just so.” Pick the one thing you are going to have just right! For me I will have a fabulous Tree!
- When you feel pressure to be perfect, take a deep breath and remind yourself: "I’m doing my best, and that’s enough."
2. Delegate and Let Others Help
I get it. It’s hard to let go of control, especially when you’re used to managing everything yourself. But delegating doesn’t make you less capable; it makes you smarter. Whether it’s asking your partner to take on more holiday prep, enlisting friends to help wrap gifts, make it a party or outsourcing some of the meal prep, you don’t have to do it all alone.
How to do it:
- Make a list of holiday tasks and figure out which ones can be shared. Maybe the kids can help decorate the tree unless you are like me and having a professional do it for you or schedule insta-cart for grocery pick up.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to be a superhero every day!
3. Create Simple, Fun Holiday Traditions
Sometimes, the most memorable holiday moments aren’t the ones we plan or stress over—they’re the spontaneous ones. If you’re feeling stressed, try creating simple holiday traditions that bring you and your family joy without overwhelming you.
How to do it:
- Plan a movie night with cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and your favorite holiday films (no fancy snacks required!).
- Go for a walk together to see holiday lights or bake cookies with family or friends. Keep it light, fun, and most importantly—stress-free.
Fun fact: We walk Naples Island and look at the lights. This year I am looking forward to taking my little one to the Christmas boat parade as well.
4. Prioritize Your Health—Mind and Body
Amid the holiday chaos, don’t forget about your health. Whether it’s moving your body with a quick workout, taking a moment to meditate, or making sure you’re getting enough sleep, taking care of yourself is the foundation of staying calm during the holidays.
How to do it:
- Set realistic fitness goals—10 minutes of movement a day can do wonders for your mood.
- Take a conference call while walking
- Take 30min after dropping the little one off at school to walk around the neighborhood
- Keep up with your wellness routines. Even if it’s just a few minutes of stretching, these moments will help you stay centered.
- Don’t skimp on sleep! The holidays are busy, but rest is vital for managing holiday depression and staying energized.
5. Let Go of the Guilt—It’s Okay to Say No
As women, we’re often taught to say yes to everything—to every invitation, every commitment, every favor. But this holiday season, I want to remind you that it’s okay to say no. Your time is precious, and you don’t need to accept every invitation or attend every event. Prioritize what truly brings you joy.
How to do it:
- Be selective about your commitments. You don’t have to be everywhere at once.
- If someone asks for something you can’t give, simply say, “I’d love to, but I can’t this time.” Saying no is a form of self-care, not selfishness.
Wrapping Up
The holidays don’t have to be a season of stress and burnout. With a little planning, a lot of self-compassion, and the willingness to ask for help, you can create a holiday season that’s truly enjoyable and meaningful.
Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating moments of connection, joy, and peace. And most importantly, it’s about taking care of you first so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for your family and community. In the middle of the holiday hustle, shifting your focus to gratitude can instantly lighten your mood and perspective. gratitude is a powerful tool for creating a stress-free holiday.
This holiday, let’s embrace the chaos, celebrate the messiness, and make it the best one yet. You’ve got this!