Surviving Holiday Stress: Finding Calm Amidst the Chaos

Sources of Holiday Stress

Here are the top three culprits that make the holidays difficult—and some real talk about how I’ve dealt with them:

1. Money Woes
The holidays have become so commercial, and it’s exhausting. Kids’ Christmas lists are looking more like Amazon wishlists on steroids. For me, finances are a consistent stressor—I’m not where I want to be at almost 40, and that can feel crushing. I want to give my loved ones the world, but I’ve had to remind myself: I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.

2. Loneliness
Whether it’s losing loved ones, being far from family, or just not having close connections, loneliness can hit hard this time of year. I lost both my parents in my early 20s, and it messed me up for a long time. If you’re feeling the sting of loneliness, know that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in this. (More on coping strategies below!)

3. Perfection Pressure
Y’all, the pressure to have a picture-perfect holiday is exhausting. Trying to make everything flawless just sets us up for disappointment. Let me tell you, a pie mishap at Thanksgiving didn’t ruin the day for me—it was fine! Imperfect holidays are still holidays, and honestly, they’re more memorable.

Do you struggle with any of these? What’s helped you cope? Let me know in the comments!

Realistic Ways to Stay Positive

Now, let’s talk about how to stay positive when things get rough. These strategies help me keep my sanity:

• Focus on Experiences: Instead of spending tons of money, plan activities that bring you joy. Bake cookies, watch holiday movies, or take a walk to see Christmas lights. Memories matter more than things.

• Set Boundaries: If an event or obligation feels overwhelming, it’s okay to say no. Protect your peace.

• Be Creative with Gifts: Handmade presents or heartfelt notes mean so much more than something expensive.

Money-Saving Holiday Ideas

The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also come with a large price tag. From (mostly) gifts to decorations, expenses can add up quickly. The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to have a festive and meaningful season. Here are five creative and budget-friendly holiday ideas to keep your wallet and spirits full.

1. DIY Gifts with a Personal Touch

Handmade gifts are not only affordable but also heartfelt. If you have a talent like drawing, crocheting, resin work, things like that, use that skill for gifts! They are thoughtful and made with LOVE, I can tell you that! You could also bake cookies or holiday treats to give away as well.

DIY gifts show thoughtfulness and can save you a significant amount compared to store-bought items.

2. Host a Potluck Holiday Meal

One of my fave things to do! Rather than one person having all the cost of an large meal, invite friends and family to bring a dish. Potluck gatherings spread the cost and allow everyone to share their favorite recipes, creating a diverse and delicious meal for all. And I feel like there is more food usually! 

Although, if you've got a large family, get a bigger bag of potatoes than 5lbs,speaking from experience here. Hahaha!

3. Get Crafty with Decorations

Instead of buying expensive decor, make your own using natural elements like pinecones, branches, the popcorn string. Paper snowflakes and garlands are fun to create. Millenials, where are you? Haha. I know I made so many construction paper garlands in school. I also remember loving to cut the snowflakes! Y'all if it's something you've forgotten, take a trip down memory lane with your kids and family. It will give your home a festive and personal touch.

4. Plan a Secret Santa Exchange

Gift-giving can quickly become overwhelming, but a Secret Santa exchange helps reduce the number of gifts you need to buy. I've seen larger families do this. They still have a great Christmas and it's fun! Especially when it comes to spouses, kids, grandkids. Haha. Set a budget to ensure fairness, so someone isn't being spoiled more than the other, and focus on meaningful, budget-friendly items.

5. Embrace Free Holiday Activities

Skip pricey events and enjoy free or low-cost traditions. Go for a walk or drive to admire holiday lights in your neighborhood.My boyfriend and I will get hot cocoa (him) & coffee (me) and we will drive around our town to look at Christmas lights. It's something fun to do and I love all the pretty lights. 

You could also have a family movie night with classic holiday films, The Christmas Story and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation arfe at least 2 go-to movies. You could also spend time baking cookies/holiday treats together.

The holidays aren’t about how much you spend—they’re about the memories you create, which a lot of people have forgotten and have forgotten to teach their kids.. By embracing these money-saving ideas, you can enjoy a meaningful and hopefully less stressful season. Remember, the best moments come from the heart, not the wallet, let's remember that. 

How to Cope with Loneliness

Feeling lonely during the holidays? I’ve been there, and it’s tough. While the world seems full of cheer, it can amplify the ache of feeling alone. Here are some ways to ease the loneliness:

• Reach Out: It’s okay to take the first step, even if it is scary or think they should call you. Pick up the phone and call or FaceTime a friend, family member, or even an acquaintance you haven’t talked to in a while. Sometimes a simple conversation can lift your spirits.

• Create New Traditions: If you’re spending the holidays solo, use the time to start traditions that bring you joy. Start now, you don't have to be with a significant other to start traditions. Whether it’s binge-watching your Christmas movies, making a special meal just for yourself, or writing down goals for the new year, these small rituals can bring comfort. If you've got animals, include them!

• Snuggle Your Pets: If you have furry companions, let them work their magic. Pets are wonderful sources of unconditional love and can be a grounding presence when you’re feeling down. They are always there for you.

• Volunteer: Helping others is a powerful antidote to loneliness. Spend time at a food bank, a shelter, or a place similar that could use an extra hand during the busy season. The sense of community and purpose can be incredibly uplifting.

• Connect Online: Virtual communities can provide a surprising amount of comfort. Whether it’s a group of like-minded people on social media or a forum about something you love, finding a digital space where you belong can help bridge the gap.

Reminder to be Kind to Yourself

The holiday season often comes with the pressure to do it all, but let’s be real: you’re only human. Being kind to yourself during this time isn’t just a nice idea—it’s necessary. Here’s how you can practice self-kindness when the holiday stress feels impossible to escape:

1. Lower Your Expectations: Perfection is overrated. Let go of the idea that everything needs to be picture-perfect. A “good enough” holiday is still full of love and meaning. "Good enough" is always better than perfect to me anyways. I don't want fake, I want real.
2. Take Breaks: Step away from the chaos when it becomes too much. Take a step outside or go for quick walk if the people become too much, family or not. Recharge with a quick nap or even a bathroom break to breathe, give yourself space to reset. 
3. Speak Kindly to Yourself: Replace the “I didn’t get enough done” guilt with “I’m doing the best I can.” You wouldn’t be harsh with a friend, so why be harsh with yourself? <---THIS Y'ALL!
4. Celebrate the Small Wins: Even if all you did today was get out of bed or send one holiday card, that’s still worth celebrating. You've got this. 

Here's an affirmation for ya!

"I am enough just as I am, and I deserve kindness and grace—especially from myself."

The holidays can be challenging, but showing yourself grace and compassion can make a big difference. Remember, being kind to yourself isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation for getting through the season in one piece.

Wrap-Up