“When holiday stress hits you all at once, remember that you don’t have to do it all.”
For me, the holidays bring mixed feelings… This is a season of excitement, joy, stress, and anxiety—all mixed up together.
While I do enjoy the astonishing decorations, classic movies, and homemade goods, the holiday season has definitely taken its toll over the years, and I’ve had to rethink the way I celebrate… And perhaps the same goes for many of you.
Holiday rituals are an important aspect of many cultures around the world. However, in our fast-paced society, it may be necessary to explore more non-traditional and simplified ways of celebrating the holidays.
Although many people celebrate for religious reasons, you can definitely create non-traditional rituals to put you in the holiday spirit. Here’s a list of 5 low-stress holiday rituals to simplify your life.
- Celebrate ONE Major Holiday
As a wife and mom, I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself during the holidays. As women, it’s natural for us to feel a sense of obligation to create “the perfect holiday” for our families.
Although we may enjoy shopping, hosting guests, cooking, and cleaning—these tasks can become extremely overwhelming during the holidays. Creating low-stress rituals can help us establish boundaries and prioritize self-care.
One low-stress way to celebrate the holidays is to let your family choose ONE major holiday to honor each year.
For my family, our annual holiday of choice is always Thanksgiving. We choose to honor this holiday because it gives us an opportunity to collectively reflect on our blessings, and the weather is always almost perfect. Plus, cooking is one of my love languages. And I do enjoy whipping up cornbread dressing and some of the traditional favorites associated with this holiday.
However, it’s still important to take breaks, even from doing the things we love. That is why I no longer participate in every major holiday.
Whatever holidays you choose to honor—and whatever your reasons may be—celebrating only one major holiday each year can save you both money and peace of mind.
A holiday is an opportunity to journey within. It is also a chance to chill, to relax. It is when I switch on my rest mode.
Prabhas
- Holiday Movie Marathon
Nothing screams holiday season like snuggling up on the sofa, watching feel-good movies with my family. Instead of the hustle and bustle, the holiday season has become an opportunity for me and my family to reconnect and recharge.
This is a low-stress holiday ritual indeed. And you can make it even more low-key by including a pajama theme, instant hot chocolate, and store–bought cookies (don’t judge me!).
Either way, this ritual gives everyone a break from the traditional stresses of the holiday season (children need breaks too), allowing more time for family bonding and mental relaxation.
- Ride Around to Look at Decorations
It’s been several years since I’ve decorated for the holidays, but I still enjoy seeing all the festive lights and fancy décor arranged by others.
Even if you don’t participate in all the festivities, the holiday season in and of itself can be bright and uplifting. And it can provide a perfect opportunity to establish memories with your loved ones.
One of my favorite low-stress holiday rituals is riding around at night, looking at decorations with my family. There’s something about all of us being together in a warm car, driving around different neighborhoods, listening to music, and admiring the creativity of others.
Again, you don’t have to participate in all the festivities to appreciate the feeling that the holiday season brings. When celebrated mindfully, the holidays can provide valuable bonding time, destressing, and an escape from everyday life!
- Experiential Gift Exchange
Instead of exchanging material gifts that are often quickly forgotten, you may opt to exchange experiential gifts instead. These gift exchanges will allow you to create memories and foster quality time with those you care about.
This could include concert tickets, cooking classes, spa days, or any shared experience opportunity. Rather than focusing on material possessions, this holiday ritual allows for creating long-lasting memories with people you love.
- Travel
If you don’t wish to celebrate the holidays or take part in the annual traditions, you may find traveling to be a good option.
During the holiday season, the children are typically out of school and many parents usually take time off from work. This makes it a perfect opportunity for a family getaway.
What I love about traveling is that it doesn’t have to be extravagant to be enjoyable. In fact, my favorite vacations are the ones that are simple and don’t include a big agenda.
Whether you’re traveling near or far, the holiday season can provide time for exploring new places and cultures with your family.
The truth is, the holiday season is a wonderful time of the year. But if the holidays tend to leave you feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and financially strained… then it may be time to celebrate the holiday season differently.
You can practice these low-stress holiday rituals to simplify your life… or create your own, unique family traditions.
Just be sure to celebrate for the right reasons—and remember to prioritize your overall health and well–being.
34 responses to “Holiday Stress: How to Celebrate the Easy Way”
My family went to Hawaii one year for Christmas and it was the most fun!! I always tell people to go away for Christmas if they want a change or just need a break!
Sounds like an awesome getaway, Deanna! Yes, a change of scenery can definitely do wonders during the hectic holiday season.
I completely agree that the holidays can be an exciting and stress inducing at the same time. Setting bounderies definitely helps in a lot of ways!
Exactly, Hari. Boundaries are key.
Great article! You’ve provided some really good holiday rituals. I don’t decorate myself, but I do enjoy riding around and looking at the beautiful creativity of others during this time of year.
It can be so much more fun and way less stressful to just admire other people’s decorations around this hectic time. Thanks for reading!
Holiday movies are definitely at the top of our list! It’s something everyone in our home enjoys! This year, we started Secret Santa, which I’m excited about and can see it being a new tradition for us! 2023 was supposed to be the year we stepped out of buying a ton of Christmas gifts and instead travel with family! We’re kind of, unintentionally, tapping into this new ritual, by heading up north for the holiday, however, we are buying gifts. Thank you for sharing your suggestions! I think it’s so important for us to redefine aspects of life that are traditional to society and make them work for us!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Roche. It’s always interesting to hear how others are simplifying their lives. Sounds like you guys are starting some great traditions. Enjoy your vacation!
I love the ideas you mentioned here. I too have mixed feelings about the holidays. They’re always very stressful and I’m going to take your tips to heart. Happy Holidays!
Awesome… take care of you, Kasia. Self-care comes first. Happy Holidays!
What a great list! We’ve been doing #3 over the last couple of years. A nice ride and a trip for ice cream afterward. A slower pace. So nice.
The ice cream afterwards sounds nice, Jody! And yes, a car ride during the holidays (or any time of year) always puts me in my happy place.
Holiday movies are a must! We’re traveling this year for Christmas. I find there are a lot of expectations for Christmas, but we decided to set boundaries for our family. I don’t want to overwhelm myself by spending money or filling our calendars with every activity. We put up our tree and haven’t decorated it yet. It’s a slow season for us. I just want to enjoy being in the moment and not rush.
Love it, Tiffany! I’m here for the “slow season.”
Great ideas. I love watching Christmas movies.
It is true that as mothers we put a great deal of pressure on ourselves at the holidays. ❤️
As mothers, we really have to explore more ways to practice self-care, especially around the holidays. For me, I’ve become obsessed with the idea that less is more, especially around the holidays. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jan.
These are all such great ideas for a low-stress holiday. I enjoy traveling around the holidays and experiencing new places all decorated.
Ikr! Driving around to see the decorations are always fun and relaxing, Debbie!
I love this! Great ideas! Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, Becki!
The movies is such a great idea! So simple and easy to “create”, I do this with the Harry Pottter movies 😀
I LOVE this article. I wish more people I knew were down with experimental gifts! Such a great way to make memories!
Glad you enjoyed this post, Sara. I think we easily forget about materialistic things, but experiences create memories that last a lifetime! Thanks for reading.
What a sweet and warming post! ☺️ I love your suggestions as well. Traditionally and culturally, we celebrate Noche Buena on the 24th which includes a big meal, laughter, music and storytelling. We typically assign everyone a role or something to do (ie cooking, baking, etc.) to make it less stressful. I love the simple traditions during these times as it puts the focus on the ones we love 🫶🏽 cheers!
This is such a great post! I love how you suggest making the holiday season less stressful. I love the suggestions you made, especially the driving around to look at Christmas lights. I love seeing all the decorations people have. Thanks for posting!
It doesn’t feel like Christmas without driving around and look at the Christmas lights! Thanks for sharing this post, great read!
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Nice 🙂 great ideas 😃
Love holiday movie marathons! It doesn’t seem like christmas without it. Also love family time at the movies.
I love family time at the movies as well, Cathy!
I love this post! You really hit the nail on the head with people trying to make everything so perfect for Christmas! I love choosing one major holiday per year to celebrate! I especially love driving around and looking at Christmas lights! It’s the little things that can be so fun! And free! Merry Christmas
Great ideas!
Love these ideas and totally on the same page as you!
Simple, unique holiday celebrations sometimes create the best memories. Less stress, less traditional, and more surprising. Enjoyed this post.