The holidays can be rough. There’s shopping, parties, and the endless loop of Christmas music. The world tells you to be cheerful, but inside, you wish time away and just want to relax.
If you’re trying to figure out how to get through December without losing your sanity, this article is for you. Here are 15 simple hacks to beat holiday stress and actually enjoy the month this year.
1. Schedule Downtime
Take a look at your calendar and block some time just for you. Yes, literally put it in your planner or phone today.
Treat yourself to quiet morning walks three days a week or an hour to binge your favorite show once a week.
When you schedule downtime, you’re giving yourself permission to breathe amid the chaos. It’s a simple act of kindness for yourself that reminds you to enjoy life.
2. Learn to Say No
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to make everyone happy. You can’t be everywhere and do everything. Learn to say no.
Declining an invitation (or two) or skipping a task won’t ruin anyone’s holiday — it could be a gift to yourself.
If they’re upset, that’s on them. The best version of you is the one who isn’t drowning in obligations.
3. Shop Small, Local, or Handmade
Skip the chaos of big-box stores and dive into the charm of local shops or artisan markets. You’ll avoid soul-sucking crowds, find unique gifts, and support small businesses.
Take the time to really enjoy the experience. Shopping for Christmas shouldn’t feel like a chore. This is the perfect time for you to slow down. Wander through quaint shops, chat with artists, and discover gifts with real stories behind them.
4. Rethink Your Holiday Playlist
I get it; Christmas music isn’t for everyone. Make a playlist that’s more for you. Add a mix of holiday indie tunes, acoustic covers, or even some non-holiday songs that make you feel alive.
Music sets the tone for your mood, so why not make it something uplifting for you? Change the tune of the holidays with a playlist made just for you and let everyone else listen to it.
5. Have a Back-up Plan for Burnout
If we’re being honest, no matter what you do, every day will not be perfect. You’re going to have some days that just don’t feel great.
Go ahead and make a backup plan now for those burnout days. Call it your holiday burnout kit — think cozy socks, bubble baths, a favorite snack, a good book, and maybe a scented candle or two.
Use it whenever the stress gets overwhelming. Sometimes, surviving the holidays is knowing when to stop and reset.
6. Create a Joy Jar
Start a new tradition this holiday season. Keep a jar or box handy, and every day in December, write down one thing that made you smile.
It doesn’t matter if it is big or small. Maybe you enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a kind word from a stranger–document it.
Read them all at the end of the month. They will be a tangible reminder that joy exists, even in the midst of holiday chaos.
7. Learn to be Present
Learn to be present when you don’t really want to do something. Enjoy the process and find peace. Otherwise, stop doing it.
For example, I don’t enjoy wrapping gifts. It seems like a waste of time and money. However, this year, I’ve committed to being present during things I don’t enjoy.
Instead of rushing through gift wrapping, I plan to make it a relaxing experience. I plan to light a candle, put on some calming music, and take my time.
8. Do Something Completely Un-Holiday Like
Step away from the holiday hype. Go for a hike, binge a non-Christmas movie, or get back to a hobby you’ve been neglecting.
Taking a short break from the holiday overload can help you come back feeling refreshed. You might even end up excited about the holiday again.
9. Designate Quiet Time Each Day
Set aside 15 minutes each day to be quiet. No TV, no music, no notifications.
Be present with your thoughts, and maybe a cup of coffee. Use the time to journal, meditate, or simply stare out the window.
10. Practice Gratitude
Hit pause on the noise and practice gratitude. Gratitude has a sneaky way of shifting your focus to what really matters in life.
Instead of stressing out over what has yet to be done, you’ll start noticing everything that is. This will not necessarily make the month easier, but it should make it feel richer.
11. Change Your Mindset
The way you think about the holidays can make or break your December. If you’re stuck in a negative mindset where everything feels like a chore, well, guess what? Everything will feel like a chore.
But what’s the worst that happens if nothing gets done? Probably nothing.
Shifting from obligation to opportunity can turn stress into something more manageable. Be happy to do what you can. You don’t have to attend every event, but you can.
You alone get to decide what’s most meaningful to you. Take control and allow the month to look brighter because it is brighter.
12. Set Small, Daily Intentions
Start each day in December by setting one intention. It could be as simple as I’m going to stay present or I’m going to wrap presents without rushing.
Small, intentional goals help you focus on what really matters. They can make the day feel a little more purposeful and less overwhelming.
13. Connect With Nature
Take a walk, even if it’s freezing outside. Breathe in the crisp air, look at the trees, or listen to the birds chirping.
Nature has a way of calming you down and reminding you there’s a world beyond the holiday frenzy. Just five minutes outside will leave you feeling more recharged and grounded.
14. Laugh Often
Laughter really is the best medicine. Watch a cheesy holiday movie, listen to a funny podcast, or spend time with people who crack you up. Then just laugh.
Laughter is fun — if you let it, it will pull you out of your head and into the moment.
15. Volunteer or Give Back
Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is to focus on others. Volunteer at a food bank, donate to a toy drive, or help a neighbor.
Focus on giving the holiday meaning. This can shift your perspective and fill you with gratitude.
