The holidays are meant to be a time of merriment and cheer. But for many of us, they also bring stress. In fact, in one study by the American Psychological Association, 41% of U.S. adults said their stress increases during the holidays, and 43% said holiday stress interferes with their ability to enjoy the season.
But this doesn’t have to be the case! If you’re feeling holiday anxiety creeping in, read on for 10 simple ways to prevent holiday stress so you can stay present, keep calm, and enjoy the merriest time of year.
10 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress This Season
1. Set intentions for a mindful holiday season.
This time of year can pass by in the blink of an eye. So before you get swept up in to do lists and obligations, take some quality time to meditate on what you’d like your holiday season to look and feel like. How do you want to spend your time? What do you want to prioritize? Keep these intentions top of mind as you navigate the rest of the holiday season.
2. Get organized for stress-free holidays.
Now that you’ve set some intentions, it’s time to get organized. One reason the holiday season can feel overwhelming is because suddenly there are many more things to do than usual. There are gifts to buy, events to attend, seasonal activities to take part in, travel to book, traditions to upkeep, and parties to host.
Instead of letting those things swirl around in your head, get organized. Let lists and calendars be your best friends. Create a comprehensive gift shopping list. Log every holiday event and festive activity in your calendar. Set annual calendar reminders for when you should start Christmas shopping or looking for Christmas flights. Hosting this season? Write out a checklist for what needs to be done before your festive soiree.
Just by getting organized and setting clear action steps for yourself, you’ll already start to feel that your holiday stress is more manageable.
3. Avoid overbooking to prevent holiday burnout.
This time of year, it can be easy to overcommit ourselves. While some may feel obligated to attend every holiday party or dinner gathering that comes up, that has the potential to lead to social and holiday burnout. Going back to the intentions you set for the season, mindfully select the holiday events you attend this year so as not to overextend yourself unnecessarily.
4. Simplify your holiday traditions to reduce stress.
Just like it can feel as though we have to say yes to every party or festive event surrounding Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years, it can also feel like we have to uphold every holiday tradition we’ve ever taken part in. We’re here to tell you that’s not the case.
Take time to think about the traditions that mean the most to you - prioritize those, and give yourself some grace to let some traditions go unobserved from time to time. Maybe you always drive three hours away to your favorite tree farm to chop down your own Christmas tree, but it’s okay to get a precut tree from Home Depot this year if you’re feeling spread thin.
This doesn’t mean you have to completely kick traditions to the curb, but allow yourself to take a year off from one or two here and there. Traditions are meant to feel special, not stressful.
5. Set a holiday budget.
Finances can be a major contributor to holiday stress. The best way to combat anxiety surrounding holiday spending is to set a defined budget for yourself. How much are you willing to spend on holiday decor or travel? What amount are you comfortable spending on gifts? When it comes to gift giving, remember that it’s the heart behind a gift that matters more than money spent.
6. Keep a few spare gifts on hand for last-minute surprises.
We’ve all been there - you realized at the last minute that you forgot to get a gift for a work friend, you need an extra stocking stuffer for the kids, or you need a white elephant gift for the party you’re attending tonight. That’s where a spare gift stash can come in handy.
By keeping a few extra gifts on hand, you’ll always be prepared for last-minute invites or forgetful moments. For this gift stash, we recommend gender-neutral items that feel thoughtful without having to be hyper specific to an individual.
Looking for ideas? JisuLife fans make great last-minute gifts or stocking stuffers for anyone on your list!
7. Eat and drink mindfully to stay balanced through the holidays.
One of the lovely things about the holidays is the cozy comfort food and festive drinks that epitomize the season - hello pumpkin pie and mulled wine! But while we fully support embracing holiday flavors, moderation is always helpful to prevent unnecessary physical and mental discomfort.
By drinking alcoholic beverages responsibly, enjoying indulgent foods in moderation, and maintaining a healthy and hydrating diet throughout the holiday season, you can not only prevent physical discomfort like inflammation and low energy levels, but also mental discomfort like hangxiety and mood fluctuations that can ultimately put a damper on your holiday cheer.
8. Ask for and accept help when you need it. Holiday teamwork makes things easier.
Sometimes holiday stress can be easily solved by asking for a little help and accepting it when it’s offered. You do not need to wrap every present yourself - allow your friend or significant other to join your gift-wrapping marathon. And you do not need to prepare every dish for the Christmas dinner you’re hosting - ask friends and family to each bring a side dish or dessert.
Take a few moments to assess what tasks you’re taking on this holiday season that you could use some assistance with. You’ll likely find that even mundane tasks become fun and festive when you do them with others.
If you’re guilty of declining help when it’s offered, ask yourself why that is, and see if you can change that. Your mental health will thank you!
9. Prioritize self-care to manage holiday stress.
In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to let self-care slip to the back burner, but it's in hectic times that we need self-care the most. Remember to carve out time to rest and recharge.
That may mean soaking in a bath, meditating, getting a massage, attending a hot yoga class or other exercise class, or just sipping some hot cocoa while you watch your favorite holiday movie. It could also mean saying “no” to social situations that make you feel uncomfortable or drained. Whatever self-care looks like to you, prioritize it this winter.
10. Remember what this season is all about.
When it comes down to it, the holidays are all about coming together and enjoying the cozy company of friends and family. While societal influences tend to put pressure on us to give the best gifts, hang the best decorations, and bake the best Christmas cookies, what we really should be prioritizing is the comfort and warmth we give and receive this holiday season.
Let Go of Holiday Stress to Make Room for Cheer
This holiday season, keep stress at bay by implementing the above tips and embracing the childlike wonder that makes this time of year magical. Here’s to a calm, joyful, and stress-free holiday season!
Looking to carry that stress-free mindset into the new year? Read How To Reset For The New Year: Simple Steps For A Breezy 2026 to start 2026 feeling refreshed and balanced.