5 Ways to Stress Less and Actually Enjoy the Holidays

It’s the Christmas season. A magical time full of good tidings and cheer. At least that’s what the Christmas songs and the Hallmark movies tell us.

But for some of us in the messy middle part of life— juggling teens, work, and a house that looks like Santa’s sleigh crash landed— the holidays can feel less like the most wonderful time of the year and more like a second job.

If you are ready to trade burnout for joy, here are 5 real life ways to stress less and actually enjoy your holiday season.

1) Just Say No (and Mean It)

It’s ok. Life will go on if you say no. You don’t have to attend every party, sign up for every Secret Santa or send out 200 cards with glitter that will surely still be in the carpet come next New Year’s Day.

Your friends will survive without your annual Christmas card. They have already seen the cute pictures of your cat in a Santa hat on Facebook anyway. Send a quick Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Post instead. Reclaim your peace and save your carpet from the glitter.

My family had a tradition, or shall I call it a Christmas Eve marathon, of visiting every friend and relative in a 20 miles radius, which left us exhausted and slightly (ok, maybe more than slightly) hungover on Christmas morning.

We still visit a few close friends, but we are home early, in PJs watching Christmas Vacation for the 100th time.

There still may be two slightly hungover parents the next day, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Holiday sanity tip: “No” is a complete sentence.

2) Decide What Kind of Memories You Want to Make

Growing up, I don’t remember every gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Sure, there were some epic Barbie toys and one very beloved Cabbage Patch doll—but what I really remember is what our house smelled like at Christmas.

Not like sugar cookies and cinnamon (though that sounds lovely). No, for me it was KIELBASA—because, well, Polish family life! That’s the scent of my childhood Christmas.

Now, my hope is that my girls remember our holidays the same way—not for the presents, but for the cozy chaos. Me in the kitchen making cookies, cooking kielbasa, and dancing to Christmas music. The good kind of holiday tunes—think Vince Guaraldi Trio and A Philly Special Christmas. (Seriously, thank you to the Philadelphia Eagles for that musical masterpiece!)

3) Sleep (Seriously, Go to Bed)

You can’t pour from an empty mug (or wine glass).

The stress of trying to make everything perfect — the shopping, wrapping, baking, and Elf-on-the-Shelf acrobatics — will wear you down faster than last year’s string lights.

Lack of sleep ramps up anxiety, weakens your immune system, and makes even “Jingle Bells” sound a little aggressive. So, give yourself permission to slow down and wind down.

A simple way to find calm in the chaos is A cup of Cortisol PM Tea from Loose Leaf Tea Market. It’s my go-to nighttime ritual when my brain won’t stop thinking about the kid’s Christmas wish list.

This soothing blend helps calm your nervous system and signal to your body that it’s finally time to rest.

If you need a few quick ideas to create your own simple nighttime routine, check out my post 3-Minute Bedtime Reset: How to Actually Wind Down (Without Scrolling Until Midnight) — all you need is 3 minutes, a cup of tea and your favorite cozy socks.

So go ahead and take that long winter’s nap (or at least start with a mug and a moment to yourself).

Your to-do list can wait — your peace can’t.

Affiliate disclosure: You can shop Cortisol PM Tea here. (As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.) Use code TEANANCY10 for 10% off.

4) Make Time for You!

Whether it’s your morning coffee in peace, a walk around the block, or five minutes hiding in the bathroom pretending you’re wrapping gifts — it counts.

Try to fit in at least one small thing each day that recharges you. You’ll show up happier, calmer, and ready to sprinkle holiday cheer (instead of sarcasm and eye rolls).

5) Embrace The Chaos

My Christmas tree has already fallen twice. I’ve burned two trays of cookies while writing this post. Dinner tonight? Cookie dough and a glass of wine.

And you know what? It’s fine. The holidays aren’t meant to be perfect — they’re meant to be memorable.

So, crank up the Christmas jazz, pour yourself a glass something festive, and enjoy the moment.

Let go of perfect. Embrace the messy middle.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year — may your tree stay upright and your house smell (pleasantly) like kielbasa.