Taming Holiday Chaos: 3 Practical Tips for a Little More Balance This Season
The holiday season is here, and it’s a lot like a Hallmark movie: a mix of magic, chaos, and at least one scene where someone is crying in the kitchen. Whether you’re juggling work deadlines, family gatherings, or trying to keep the turkey from burning (again), this time of year can feel overwhelming.
But you deserve a holiday that doesn’t leave you frazzled.
Today, we’ll explore how to find balance, embrace the chaos, and prioritize you. I’ll even share one of my family’s favorite traditions: “Eat dessert first.”
Yes, pie before turkey. Cookies before stuffing. Because life’s too short to save the best for last.
Let’s Talk Cortisol (and Why You Might Need a Nap)
When holiday stress levels rise, your brain releases cortisol—the infamous “fight or flight” hormone. It’s helpful when you need to dodge traffic or grab the last hot toy on the shelf, but too much cortisol leaves you feeling frazzled, cranky, and ready to snap.
Have you ever yelled about something small, like running out of wrapping paper? That’s cortisol kicking in.
The good news? You can take control. When the turkey burns—or the toddler decides to redecorate the Christmas tree with yogurt—take a pause. Laugh it off, grab a snack, and maybe take a nap.
And if you’re like me? Sneak off to binge-watch The Godfather with your sister. Nothing says “family bonding” like watching Michael Corleone handle some very complicated business.
Practical Tip: Find small ways to reset when stress hits. Take a walk, dance in the kitchen, or sneak a slice of pie before dinner. Whatever helps you refocus—do it.
Find/Make Holiday Humor: “It’s Not the Holidays Until Someone Cries”
In my family, we say, “It’s not the holidays until someone cries.” And it’s usually true. Whether it’s a toddler’s meltdown or someone getting misty-eyed over old photos, emotions are part of the season.
Rather than avoid it, embrace it. Plan for it. Watch a tearjerker like *It’s a Wonderful Life* and let it all out. Consider it a proactive way to handle holiday stress.
Practical Tip: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Let them flow, whether you’re laughing until you cry or crying until you laugh. Bonus points if you do both—preferably with dessert.
Make Time for YOU (Without the Guilt)
Prioritizing yourself during the holidays can feel impossible, but it’s essential. If you’re running on empty, you’re not doing anyone any favors.
There’s always one more thing to do, but carving out time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Take a nap. Hide in the pantry with a cookie. Step outside for a quiet moment to yourself. Whatever it takes to recharge, do it.
And when you need extra inspiration, remember *The Godfather*: sometimes, you’ve got to “leave the gun” (or the stress) and “bring the cannoli” (or the joy).
Practical Tip: Treat “you” time like a meeting. Block it off on your calendar, and don’t let anyone double-book it.
Integration, Not Perfection
Work-life balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about integrating what matters. Some days, work takes priority. Other days, family wins. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is order takeout, put on your pajamas, and watch a Christmas movie.
Practical Tip: Let go of perfection. Choose what matters most—whether it’s acing a presentation or baking cookies from a store-bought mix—and let the rest go.
Wrapping It Up: Eat Dessert First
This holiday season, don’t lose sight of what’s important: you. Sneak in a nap, laugh at the chaos, and enjoy dessert before dinner. Find joy in the little moments.
When you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else. And isn’t that the greatest gift you can give?
Grab that pie, smile through the burnt turkey, and remind yourself: you deserve this time to recharge. And if someone cries? Well, you’re already ahead of the game.
Until next time, lead with unapologetic edge—and maybe have a second slice of dessert.
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