How to Stress Less and Savor More This Holiday Season

Dear Sister Project,

The holidays will be here before we know it, and I am already exhausted. How can I prevent myself from feeling like a total Scrooge and find some merriment without burning out or spending way too much money?
Sincerely,
Feeling Down and Out

Dear Down and Out,

I’m really sorry to hear that the holiday stress is already creeping in—but please know that you are absolutely not alone. Life is a lot as it is. Add in seasonal expenses, a pinch of grief, a dash of family drama, and all the pressure the holidays tend to bring, and it’s no wonder the overwhelm shows up early. Stress this time of year can feel downright unavoidable.

However…today is your lucky day. I happen to have an entire Santa sack filled with simple shifts you can make—shifts that will help you create more space, more peace, and a whole lot less stress this holiday season.

Yes, it is possible. Ready?

Do less. Care less. Spend less.

Instead of adding more to an already jam-packed plate, I want you to flip the script. These next several weeks, try approaching the holidays differently—intentionally, gently, and with a whole lot more compassion for yourself.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Do Less

If you’ve been here a while, you’ve heard me say it before—doing less is practically my motto. After watching my own mom pull off the impossible during the holidays while raising five kids, I realized as an adult that she rarely got to enjoy the season herself. This tip comes from breaking that cycle.

The easiest (and sometimes the only) way to truly do less is to delegate. And the holidays are full of opportunities to share the load.

Outsource what you can to local small businesses who are ready to help and grateful for the support. Whether it’s ordering a side dish—or the entire meal—from a local caterer (my family is devoted to DeeDee Sarrocco, a.k.a. The Gravy Lady), or letting someone else handle the gift wrapping, delegation is your new holiday superpower.

The options are endless. Think outside the box and get creative. ’Tis the season of giving thanks, after all—so give away some tasks and celebrate the mental clarity that follows.

Step 2: Care Less

This one is tough for many of us, but the magic lies in your mindset.

How many times have you found yourself swallowing frustration after a relative pushed your buttons at the dinner table? Or shielding your joy from a Grinch-like stranger who insists on being miserable?

Good news: you no longer need to choose between a meltdown or total suppression. Now you have three magic words:

“That’s not mine.”

Say it. Use it. Let it free you.

Whether it’s political debates at the table or a cashier who seems allergic to kindness—whatever energy they’re bringing? It’s not yours.

Try saying it aloud the next time someone pokes at your peace.

You’re welcome.

Step 3: Spend Less

Ah yes…the big one. The holidays have a way of draining our wallets before we even realize what happened. But this year? You’re giving yourself permission to spend less.

Start by setting a budget and sticking to it. If you’re tempted to buy something unnecessary, use that newfound willpower and put it right back on the shelf.

For kids, try implementing the Five Gift Rule:

• Something they want

• Something they need

• Something to wear

• Something to read

• And one special gift of your choosing (within budget, of course)

It’s simple, thoughtful, and sanity-saving.

The Truth About Holiday Stress

There will never be a season—holiday or otherwise—when the pressure magically disappears. Burnout is always lurking unless we actively protect our peace.

But now? You’ve got tools. You’ve got permission. You’ve got a path to less doing, less caring, and less spending.

And on the other side of those choices?

More time to slow down. More room to savor. More space for genuine merriment all season long.

Stay cozy,
Michelle

This article was originally written for Hillgrove Ave Magazine.

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