10 Silly Ways to Stay Sane During the Holidays(…and Actually Enjoy Yourself This Year)
We all know the holidays are magical in theory.
But in reality? They’re typically utter chaos….With some joy sprinkled in there too of course :)
Between gifting, gatherings, group texts, glitter, and the emotional gymnastics of navigating family dynamics… even the most grounded human can slip into “holiday panic mode.” (trust me… I think I’m calm cool and collected until spirit week at school starts and all the HOLIDAY THINGS begin!!
So before you start Googling “how to fake your own disappearance until January,” let’s talk about how to stay sane, grounded, and maybe even joyful this season.
Here are a few favorite actually-helpful and slightly-silly strategies to help you manage holiday stress like the emotionally intelligent adult you absolutely are:
1. The “Two-Minute Escape to the Bathroom” Reset
When things get loud, overwhelming, or Aunt Linda starts explaining how you’re “still doing therapy stuff, huh?” — smile politely and announce:
“Be right back, gotta check the sweet potato situation.”
Then slip into the bathroom, lock the door (important), and:
Put your hand on your chest
Take one slow breath
Whisper to yourself: “I am safe. I am sane. I will not yell at my family.”
Instant reset. Plus no one questions bathroom breaks. Ever.
2. Make a "Bare Minimum Holiday List"
Not a to-do list. A to-don’t list.
Write down:
Things you refuse to do
Things you will not bake
Events you don’t actually enjoy
Gifts you don’t need to force or fake
This is your permission slip to stop being the unpaid CEO of “Holiday Expectations, Inc.”
Your nervous system will thank you.
3. Implement the 10% Rule
You don’t need to give 100% holiday energy.
Not even 50%.
Give 10% effort to the things that don’t matter much and 100% to the things that make you feel alive.
Examples of 10% effort:
Store-bought cookies (no one cares)
Wrapping paper that is… fine
Saying no without writing a 17-sentence explanation
Examples of 100% effort:
Rest
Family moments you love
Traditions that feel good
Your peace
4. The “Holiday Code Word”
Create a secret code word with your partner or kids.
Something like:
“Penguin” = I need rescuing from a conversation
“Tinsel” = We leave in 10 minutes
“Nutcracker” = Do not let me volunteer for another thing
This is basically emotional insurance.
And it’s fun.
5. Embrace the Art of "Half-Assing With Heart"
Here’s the truth:
Done is better than Pinterest-perfect.
Bake the cookies from a tube.
Hang the wreath slightly crooked.
Buy the gift card (Teachers love these the most anyway!!)
Use gift bags because wrapping… well… WRAPPING… UGH.
Your mental health > your aesthetic.
6. Choose Your People, Not Just Your Plans
The holidays will drain you if you're surrounded by energy vampires.
So ask yourself:
“Who leaves me feeling lighter?”
Make plans with those people too.
Even if it’s a short coffee, a drive to look at lights, or a 20-minute FaceTime in pajamas.
Connection is a nervous system regulator.
Let it support you — not suffocate you.
7. Let “Good Enough” Be the Theme of the Year
Not perfect.
Not flawless.
Not Instagram-worthy.
Just good enough.
Because the truth?
Good enough creates presence.
Presence creates memories.
And memories matter way more than perfectly executed charcuterie boards.
8. The Holiday SOS Kit
Keep in your purse/car:
Tiny chocolate (or bigger chocolate — live your life)
Gum
Headphones
Lavender roller
A sticky note that says “You’re doing great, sweetie”
This kit is what separates the holiday survivors from the holiday meltdown crowd.
9. Pick One Thing to Not Care About
Just one.
Examples:
Matching outfits
The house being spotless
Responding to every message
Doing Elf on the Shelf (listen… to each their own, but ours gets moved around and THAT’S IT!!)
Decide ahead of time.
Announce it proudly.
Feel the freedom wash over your body.
10. Add Micro-Joy Every Day
One little thing that makes you smile:
Your favorite mug
A holiday playlist you actually like
A silly movie
Fluffy socks
A 90-second dance party alone in the kitchen
Tiny joy adds up.
In fact, it might save your entire December.
Final Thoughts: A Calm Body Makes a Happy Holiday
If you take anything from this:
✨ You’re allowed to make this season lighter.
✨ You don’t have to earn your rest.
✨ Peace is not something you “find”—it’s something you choose.
And you, my friend, get to choose a holiday that supports your sanity, not sets it on fire.
Here’s to a calmer, kinder, more human holiday season.
And if you need help navigating the overwhelm, anxiety, or perfectionism that shows up this time of year… I’m here.