10 Ways to Keep Your Cool This Holiday Season
COMPILED BY KENT MILLER
If the holidays have you running on caffeine and chaos instead of cheer, you’ re not the only one. Nearly nine out of 10 Americans feel stressed or overwhelmed this time of year. Between family expectations, gift lists and travel headaches, it’ s easy to forget the season is supposed to be fun. Here are 10 ways to lower your stress level and make the holidays a little brighter.
1. Do less. Enjoy more.
You don’ t need to attend every cookie exchange or ugly sweater party. Pick the events that make you smile, skip the ones that don’ t and stop apologizing for it. 2. Travel smart, not hard. If you’ re hitting the road( or skies), plan ahead. Book direct flights when you can and don’ t try to cram every visit into one weekend. The holidays shouldn’ t feel like a marathon. 3. Rethink gift giving. Set a budget and stick to it. Homemade gifts, baked goods, or shared experiences often mean more than expensive presents. Generosity doesn’ t have to drain your wallet. 4. Eat, drink – but don’ t overdo it. Yes, grandma’ s pie deserves a slice. Maybe two. But try not to let“ holiday mode” turn into“ whydid-I-do-that mode.” Hydrate, pace yourself and move a little every day. 5. Family time is optional – breaks are not. Even the closest families can test one another’ s patience. Step outside for a breather, take a solo walk or disappear into a quiet corner with a good excuse(“ checking the turkey” works every time).
6. Choose peace over being right.
You won’ t change anyone’ s mind over the dinner table. Skip the debate and steer the conversation toward something safer – like movies, travel or who’ s hosting next year. 7. Schedule downtime. Block out an evening with no plans. Watch a movie, take a nap or just sit in silence. Treat rest like an appointment you can’ t cancel. 8. Make space for grief. If the holidays feel emptier this year, honor that. Light a candle, share a story or start a new tradition that keeps loved ones’ memories close. 9. Stick to your basics. Sleep, eat, move, breathe. Your body doesn’ t take a holiday from needing care. Keeping up with simple routines helps anchor you amid the chaos. 10. Ask for help if you need it. If the season feels too heavy, reach out. Talk to friends, family or a counselor. You don’ t have to“ push through” alone – taking care of your mental health is the best gift you can give yourself.
– SOURCE: The American Psychological Association
HOLIDAY 2025 9