7 Ways to Manage Stress and Enjoy the Holidays

The holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, filled with twinkling lights, cozy nights, and joyful gatherings. But let’s be honest—holidays, especially during Christmas can also feel like a giant to-do list. Between shopping for gifts, cooking meals, hanging decorations, and trying to “enjoy the season,” it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

You’re not alone. For many of us, the holidays come with a side of stress. There’s the pressure to make everything perfect, the constant errands, and the challenge of keeping everyone happy. And just when you think you’ve got it all together, something inevitably goes wrong—like forgetting the batteries for a toy or realizing the dog ate the cookies.

But here’s a thought: the holidays don’t have to be perfect. In fact, their magic often lies in the imperfect moments—the laughter when things go awry, the joy of spending time with loved ones, and the peace of taking a break to simply breathe.

This year, let’s let go of perfection and focus on what really matters: creating meaningful, fun, and stress-free memories. So, pour yourself some cocoa, take a deep breath, and get ready to embrace the chaos and the joy. Here are seven simple ways to manage holiday stress and truly enjoy the season—you’ve earned it!

Picture this: it’s two days before Christmas, and you’re running around the mall, sweating, trying to find the “perfect” gift. Sound familiar? The best way to avoid that holiday stress is to plan ahead.

Start by making a list. Jot down everything you need to do—buy gifts, decorate, cook, or even attend events. Then prioritize. What needs to be done now, and what can wait? Breaking things into smaller steps makes it less overwhelming.

And here’s a big one: don’t do it all yourself. If you’re hosting, ask family or friends to bring a dish. If you’re decorating, let the kids or your partner help. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done.

Finances are one of the biggest causes of holiday stress. The pressure to buy expensive gifts or host grand dinners can really take a toll. But guess what? The best gifts aren’t always the priciest ones.

Decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food, and other holiday expenses. Write it down and stick to it. If you’re shopping, compare prices online or look out for sales. And don’t underestimate the value of thoughtful, homemade gifts or experiences like baking cookies together or organizing a family game night.

Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones, not emptying your wallet.

The invitations start pouring in—office parties, family dinners, school events. Suddenly, your calendar is full, and you’re exhausted. It’s okay to say no.

Choose the events that truly matter to you and politely decline the rest. Your time and energy are limited, so spend them wisely. It’s better to attend to a few things and enjoy them than to try to do everything and feel burned out.

And if you’re hosting, keep it simple. You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect dinner party to make people happy. A warm atmosphere and good company are what people remember most.

Amid all the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget about yourself. But how can you enjoy the season if you’re running on empty?

Make time for the basics: eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. A quick 15-minute walk or some light stretching can also work wonders for your mood and energy levels.

And don’t forget to do things that make you happy—read a book, watch your favorite holiday movie, or spend a quiet evening sipping hot cocoa. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

It’s easy to get caught up in the details—perfect decorations, flawless meals, or expensive gifts. But when you look back on holidays past, what do you remember? Chances are, it’s the laughter, the stories, and the time spent with loved ones.

This year, try to focus on those moments. Instead of worrying about everything being perfect, embrace the imperfections. The burnt cookies, the tangled lights, or the mismatched ornaments often make the best memories.

One of the simplest ways to keep holiday stress in check is to focus on what you’re grateful for. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause for a moment and think about the good things in your life—family, friends, health, or even the smell of a fresh Christmas tree.

You can make this a daily habit by writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning or sharing them at the dinner table with loved ones. Gratitude has a way of shifting your focus from what’s stressful to what’s truly meaningful.

Have you ever noticed how the funniest holiday stories come from things going wrong? Like the time the kids knocked over the tree or when you realized you forgot to defrost the turkey an hour before dinner. Holidays rarely go as planned, and that’s okay. Instead of stressing over these little hiccups, try laughing at them.

When something goes sideways, laugh about it. Laugh at the chaos. Laugh at yourself. Because here’s the secret: when you laugh, you let go of the stress.

So when the pie burns, the gift wrap runs out, or the kids spill glitter everywhere, just laugh. Years from now, these will be the moments you remember—not the perfectly folded napkins.

Photo: Getty Images