Are you looking for tips for managing stress during the holidays? December is the busiest—and often most overwhelming—month of the year, and I’m here to offer advice for making it to Christmas in one piece. Don’t let the chaos of the season weigh you down. Use these simple, realistic tips to stay organized and even a little jolly before Santa comes!
Nothing says joy and chaos like being a mom in December. In 2025, many of us are carrying more than kids’ Christmas lists. We’re juggling budgets, schedules, social pressures, and the mental load. I’m currently carrying all of the above plus planning two of my daughters’ birthdays. It’s a lot. But I know I’ll persevere—and hopefully shine a little brighter by Christmas Day than in years past.
How am I planning to manage holiday stress? By taking December one day at a time. Instead of looking at everything I need to do over the next couple of weeks, I am focused on today’s To Do list (and only today). Slowing down is the secret to avoiding a high speed crash at the end of the year.
Tips for Managing Stress During the Holidays
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed in December – but it is not okay to be miserable because of it. You do NOT have to do it all this month! Here are some tips for managing stress (or maybe even avoiding it) during the holiday season.
1. Accept That You Can’t Do Everything — And You Shouldn’t Try To
Social media and Pinterest can make anyone feel inadequate – but there is nothing worse than drowning in the pressure to be perfect during Christmas. Accept you can’t do everything you see everyone else doing – and you should NOT waste your time trying to. Limit the holiday comparison spiral by putting your phone away and unfollowing accounts that trigger stress. Remember: your kids don’t need a perfect holiday—they need a present, happy mom.
2. Make a running note on your phone of where you hide packages and presents. Trust me—future you will be grateful.
I am speaking from personal experience when I say that there is nothing more disappointing than not being able to find a gift you ordered special for your Uncle Al.
3. Take 10-minute micro-breaks
Wellness experts recommend trying 10-minute “micro-breaks” to reduce mental fatigue, improve mood, and increase energy. Examples include a short walk, breathing exercises, a timed 10-minute brain dump in a journal or a no-phone break.
For me – I like to do a yoga flow with airpods and my favorite playlist or step outside for deep breaths of cold winter air. Remind yourself that these are NOT luxuries – but actually necessary to regulate your nervous system.
Listen to Holiday Magic or Holiday Burnout: How Can We Adjust Our Mindset?
4. Simplify Your Holiday To-Do List (and Delegate More Than You Think You Can)
We all know moms carry the holiday mental load: gift lists, teacher gifts, outfits, meals, schedules. I am notoriously writing countless To Do lists to stay organized but usually end up feeling disorganized. I’ve taken to writing ONE To Do list each morning with tasks I can actually cross off or delegate to someone else. If that doesn’t work for you – make three lists: must-do, nice-to-do, can be skipped. The more you simplify, the more energy you’ll have for the things that actually matter.
5. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible
Moms and kids thrive on routines – so try to stick to what’s normal. Bedtimes, meal times, slow evenings and regular movement is crucial for your family’s well-being. It is easy to fall off track with all of the excitement, but routines help prevent the holiday emotional crash. Even one “normal” day per week can reset everyone’s mood.
Read more on how to Avoid Holiday Anxiety and Depression with Expert Tips.
6. Move Your Body (Dance Parties Count!)
Don’t like dancing? Work up a sweat doing SOMETHING – sometimes just a little bit of movement can snap you out of a stressful funk. Just like singing, physical activity may help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good endorphins. Take a family walk after dinner or stretch by the twinkling Christmas tree before bed. Movement is natural stress relief and can boost everyone’s mood! And yes—jumping around to Mariah Carey absolutely counts as cardio.
Remember: peace over perfection, always. What do you do for holiday stress management?
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