The holidays are pretty much here, and if you’re feeling more stressed than festive, you’re not alone. For many, this time of year can feel like a sprint to the finish line with shopping, wrapping, baking, cleaning, and the pressure of making everything perfect can quickly become overwhelming. As we move into the final stretch before the big day, it’s easy to feel like you’ve fallen behind on everything. But don’t panic just yet! You’ve got this, and you have all you need to get to the yule tide finish, with just a little focus, intention, and a few deep breaths. With one more weekend left, you can find your holiday rhythm without the overwhelm. Let’s take a moment to GIFT yourself some calm and clarity in these last days before the holiday rush truly kicks in. Here’s what we’re unwrapping:
G: Gratitude – A fresh perspective can change everything! It’s easy to fall into a mindset of stress when the to-do list is never-ending, but there’s power in gratitude. Instead of thinking about everything you haven’t done yet, take a step back and acknowledge everything you have already done. Even if it’s just reading this column! Gratitude helps shift your perspective and can reduce feelings of stress. Even if everything isn’t done, celebrate those small wins.
In fact, taking just a few minutes to jot down what you’re grateful for can instantly reduce anxiety and put you in a calmer, more appreciative headspace. When you look at the holidays through the lens of gratitude, it’s easier to recognize what really matters and let go of the trivial stresses. This may also help you decide what actually matters for the week ahead.
I: Intention –Now that you’ve grounded yourself in gratitude, it’s time to get intentional. Prioritizing with intention will make a difference! The holiday season often feels like it’s all about doing but in reality, it’s about being. What do you want to get out of these last few days before Christmas? Likely it’s not stress, a meltdown, or rotting in your pajamas because you can’t move forward.
Start by identifying the three most important things that need to get done. Maybe it’s getting the gifts wrapped, finalizing holiday meal plans, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. Be honest with yourself: what will give you the most peace of mind? What are you truly looking forward to? Once you’ve identified your top priorities, focus on those first.
Use your intention to guide your choices: If it’s more important to you to bake a batch of cookies than to scrub the floors, go ahead and bake. If quality time with family is at the top of your list, make that a priority over other tasks.
F: First Things First – If you haven’t crossed everything off your to-do list yet, it can feel like a mountain of tasks is staring you down. That’s why it’s crucial to approach this moment with a “first things first” mentality.
Here’s the trick: break things down. What’s absolutely essential for the holiday to happen? Gifts, food, the guest rooms? You decide and then those are your non-negotiables. Then, you tackle those first. Set a timer and give yourself one hour to shop for those final gifts. Get the essentials for dinner and think about how you can keep things simple. If wrapping feels overwhelming, do it in batches, ten-minute intervals with a break in between. By taking on one thing at a time, you create manageable chunks that won’t overwhelm you.
T: Take a Breath – In the whirlwind of pre-holiday prep, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for yourself. But self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Have you ever gotten to January and felt like you couldn’t even remember the past two weeks? You probably didn’t take a moment just to breathe! Your mental health and well-being should be just as important as all the gifts and cookies you’re rushing to get ready.
Take a breath. Literally. Whenever you feel like you’re spiraling, pause and inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. Repeat this for a few rounds and let your nervous system reset. It’s simple, but effective. Taking those short, mindful moments throughout the day will help you stay calm, focused, and energized.
By using our GIFT methods: Gratitude, Intention, First Things First, and Taking a Breath, we believe you’ll be able to navigate the final days of the holiday season with more ease and fun than you can imagine. Gift yourself the peace and presence you deserve this season and start right now! Whether you are the parent who’s doing it all, the grandparent who is feeling lonely or the one who is creating family with friends, these days ahead are supposed to be fun and festive, make them count, and remember to give yourself the GIFT!