The holidays are a whirlwind. From work parties and Friendsgivings to family traditions and church events, the season can feel like a constant sprint — and it’s barely mid-November. If the thought of one more Secret Santa exchange or white elephant gift party makes you want to scream into a festive pillow, you’re not alone. For anyone balancing demanding work schedules, tight budgets and constant travel plans, the holidays can feel less like a Hallmark movie and more like an endless to-do list.
But the holidays don’t have to leave you drained. There are practical, maybe even unexpected ways to keep your joy intact while still showing up for the people and moments that matter. Here’s how to lock-in for the season, protect your peace and stay focused on the real reason for the season.
1. Learn the power of “no” (and actually mean it)!
Holiday obligations pile up fast. Between Friendsgivings, gift exchanges and (mandatory) work holiday parties, it’s easy to end up overcommitted. But here’s a little secret people don’t tell you: you don’t have to attend every event.
Saying “no” doesn’t make you a Grinch; it makes you intentional. Decide early in the season what events you actually care about and prioritize those. If something doesn’t align with your values, your schedule or your budget, skip it. A polite “Thanks for the invite, but I can’t make it this year” goes a long way.
Pro tip: Don’t over-explain. “No” is a full sentence.
2. Outsource when you can.
You do not have to bake those cookies from scratch or DIY every gift, even if that’s what you’ve done in the past. Outsourcing isn’t lazy. It’s innovative (that’s what I’m telling myself, at least). Delegate tasks where possible. Buy the pre-made pie! Order your ugly sweater party décor online! Let your roommate pick up the Friendsgiving turkey!
Yes, Pinterest is fun, but perfection isn’t the goal. Save your energy for the moments that matter, not for chasing a vibe that’ll get three likes on Instagram.
3. Turn “busy” into “intentional.”
Here’s a thought: What if you swapped the word “busy” for “intentional”? Instead of saying, “I’m so busy,” try saying, “I’m focusing on what matters most right now.” It’s a small shift, but it reframes how you approach the season.
Before the chaos takes over, write down your holiday non-negotiables. Maybe it’s having dinner with your grandparents, attending Christmas Eve service or volunteering at a local shelter. Let these priorities guide your calendar. Everything else? It can wait until the new year.
4. Set a digital boundary.
Social media is a holiday double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s full of cute Christmas inspo. On the other, it’s a nonstop feed of oh-so-perfectly curated holiday lives that can leave you feeling inadequate.
This year, consider setting boundaries for your scrolling. Maybe that means muting accounts that stress you out, limiting your screen time to an hour a day or scheduling a phone-free evening with friends. When you step back, you’ll realize the holidays are about connection and not comparison.
5. Stop treating rest like a reward.
If you wait until everything is “done” before resting, you’ll never find time to rest. Give yourself permission to take breaks before you’re on the brink of burnout.
Rest looks different for everyone. It could mean canceling plans to watch your favorite Christmas rom-com, taking a long walk to clear your mind or spending an hour reading Scripture with a cup of peppermint tea. Whatever it is, make it a priority.
6. Rethink your gift-giving strategy.
Let’s be real: Holiday gift-giving can feel less like an act of love and more like a financial burden. Instead of maxing out your credit card, try something different this year.
Consider a Secret Santa among friends to limit the number of gifts you have to buy. Or get creative with experiences over material items — like taking your siblings out for a Christmas coffee crawl instead of buying each of them a separate gift.
And remember, meaningful gifts don’t have to be expensive. A handwritten note or a framed photo can mean more than any store-bought item.
7. Prioritize your spiritual life.
Amid the chaos of the season, it’s easy to let spiritual practices slip to the back burner. But staying connected to your faith is one of the best ways to prevent burnout.
Start small: Spend five minutes each morning in prayer or reflection. Attend a midweek Advent service at your church. Play worship music while you’re decorating or wrapping gifts. These little moments remind you that the holidays aren’t just about doing — they’re about being.
8. Celebrate the “in-between” moments.
Some of the best holiday memories happen in the margins: singing along to Christmas songs in the car, sharing leftovers with friends or catching snowflakes on your tongue during a quick coffee run.
Instead of rushing from one event to the next, slow down and savor these small, unplanned moments. They’re often more meaningful than the big, scheduled traditions. And way more fun.
9. Ditch the “all or nothing” mentality.
Maybe you miss a party. Maybe you don’t get around to decorating this year. Maybe your cookies turn out burned. Guess what? That’s OK!
The holidays aren’t about getting everything “right.” They’re about celebrating the hope and joy that came to the world through Christ. Focus on what you can do this year instead of stressing about what you can’t.
10. Create space for gratitude.
It’s cliché for a reason: Gratitude changes everything. Start or end your day by jotting down three things you’re thankful for. You’ll be surprised how much perspective it gives you.
And don’t keep it to yourself. Expressing gratitude to the people around you — your friends, family, coworkers — can strengthen relationships and spread joy faster than any Secret Santa gift exchange.
At its core, the holiday season is about celebrating the birth of Christ and the hope He brings. Everything else — parties, presents, traditions — is all secondary.
So before you say yes to another obligation or add one more thing to your to-do list, ask yourself: Is this helping me stay centered on what really matters? If the answer is no, let it go.
This year, let’s aim for a holiday season filled with intention, joy, and peace. Not because we’ve mastered time management, but because we’ve chosen to focus on the gift that started it all.
