Holiday times can be a mixed bag of emotions. There’s plenty of excitement and joy—but also a fair share of stress and anxiety. One moment you’re happily singing carols with the family. The next, you’re silently counting down the minutes until Aunt Maude heads home. And the best part? You can look forward to doing it all over again next year.
To help you navigate the highs and lows of the season, here are some essential tips to both get through the tough moments and make the most of the good ones.
Gift-giving
Let’s start with what can be the hardest part of the holidays: gift-giving. For some, it’s a fun tradition; for others, it’s a major source of stress. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure, but try not to overthink it. The biggest or most expensive gift isn’t automatically the best one. It really is the thought that counts, so focus on who matters on your list and what would be meaningful or useful to them.
After you figure out the “who” and the “what,” it’s time to think about the “when” and the “where.” Decide whether you want to venture out to stores and malls, shop online, or do a mix of both. If you love sales, mark your calendar for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Super Saturday (the last Saturday before Christmas or Christmas Eve).
Even better, consider getting a head start on holiday shopping as early as October. Great deals aren’t limited to just those three high-traffic sale days.
Depending on the recipient, you may want to go the homemade or personalized route. The earlier you start organizing those gifts, the better. Make a list of what you’ll need and where to find it. Companies such as Personalization Mall offer a wide range of customizable options—from drinkware and artwork to clothing and accessories.
Holiday traffic
Unfortunately, holiday traffic often goes hand in hand with the season. Whether you’re on the road, at the airport, or just trying to grab something at the supermarket, expect things to be more crowded than usual. The best thing you can do? Go in with a plan and extra patience.
Here are a few ways to help things go as smoothly and safely as possible:
- Aim for “off-peak” hours. If you can travel and shop before 11 a.m., for example, you have a better chance of avoiding congestion. Afternoons and evenings are when you will find most people on the road and shopping.
- Check the forecast and traffic before heading out. A quick peek at a travel or weather app can save you time and stress. If you are traveling by plane, train, or bus, keep an eye on updates in case of delays or cancellations.
- Pack your patience. Try not to be a Grinch about crowds. It’s a popular time of the year, and most people are just out trying to enjoy themselves. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed while out and about, step away and take breaks as needed. Self-care and mental health are always priorities, especially when tensions (and energy levels) are high.
- Bring along snacks, water, and tunes. Keep a few essentials in your bag or car to make any unexpected waits a little more bearable. A good playlist, an audiobook, or your favorite podcast can help keep the mood light.
Holiday meals and treats
Onto the tasty stuff. Holiday time often means nonstop feasting, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
Splurge when it feels right—but try to stay mindful of both financial and caloric budgets. It’s easy to think of the holidays as just “one day,” but those in-between days can blur together fast, especially with leftovers constantly in reach.
That said, go big for the special meals—not necessarily in size but in quality. Canned and frozen vegetables are great, but a trip to the local farmer’s market for fresh green beans can elevate a dish. Fresh herbs and spices can add that “holiday feeling” and make any meal feel more special.
Try not to buy fresh ingredients more than four to five days before the big meal to keep them at their prime. On the flip side, if there are canned and boxed favorites that are nonnegotiable, grab them earlier, especially if they go on sale.
Boxed stuffing mixes such as Stove Top are easy to work with, surprisingly versatile with endless recipe possibilities, and often go on sale around Thanksgiving. The same goes for Pillsbury’s holiday cookies—there seems to be one for every holiday. Sure, nothing beats a homemade chocolate chip cookie fresh out of the oven, but those classic printed sugar cookies have their own charm.
Family time
Family looks different for everyone. It might just be your immediate household, or it could include extended members such as cousins, aunts, and uncles. In-laws may be part of the holiday mix, and sometimes close friends feel like family, too. Pets also count; they’re important members of the family.
No matter the setup, spending extended time together can lead to lots of fun moments, but also the potential for a few tense ones. That might come down to personality clashes, not being used to so much time together, or just plain exhaustion from being around family members nonstop.
Here are ways to protect against burnout and conflict:
- When you need a break, take one. It’s totally okay to step away and cool off. Don’t stress about every little complaint—yes, even from Aunt Maude. She’ll be back home soon enough.
- Focus on making memories. It’s not always easy, but the holidays are the perfect time to create fun, meaningful moments with those you love. Prioritize shared activities that all will cherish in the years to come.
- Set the mood with music and movies. Create a holiday music playlist that everyone can enjoy while decorating and cooking. Queue up your favorite holiday films, grab some snacks, and relax together.
- Get outside and explore. If the group is up for it, seasonal activities such as ice skating, local parades, festivals, or holiday performances can be great ways to bond. A live show such as The Nutcracker can leave lasting memories.
- Reflect on what matters. After all of the gifts, treats, and celebrations, take time to appreciate the reason we gather, whether it’s rooted in tradition, faith, or simply the joy of being together.
After all, the holiday season is a great time to stop and remember to be grateful for all that we have and love.