The Holidays Can Be Wonderful— AND Overwhelming
The holiday season often brings joy, connection, and celebration—but for many, it also brings stress, exhaustion, and the pressure to make everything perfect. Between family gatherings, school events, financial strain, and the emotional weight of expectations, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos.
If you’ve ever found yourself counting down the days until it’s over, you’re not alone. As a therapist, I often remind clients that it’s okay to step back, breathe, and give yourself permission to care for your own well-being.
How Gratitude Helps You Stay Grounded
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a practice that trains your brain to notice what’s going right—even in the middle of holiday overwhelm. Research shows that gratitude can lower stress hormones, improve sleep, and boost overall mood.
Here are a few simple ways to integrate gratitude into your daily life during the holidays:
Start a daily gratitude list. Write down three small things each morning that make you smile—like your child’s laughter, a warm cup of coffee, or five quiet minutes alone.
Share gratitude as a family. During meals or bedtime, take turns sharing something you’re thankful for. It builds connection and helps kids learn emotional awareness.
Pause before reacting. When holiday stress builds, take a deep breath and mentally name one thing you’re grateful for. It’s a powerful reset in moments of frustration.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Many moms and parents tell me they feel guilty taking time for themselves during the holidays. But here’s the truth: self-care is not indulgent—it’s essential. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your emotional energy directly impacts your family’s well-being.
Consider incorporating small, intentional acts of self-care this season:
Simplify your commitments. Say no to one event or task that drains you.
Build in quiet moments. Even 10 minutes of journaling, stretching, or listening to calming music can lower stress.
Ask for help. Let someone else handle a chore, meal, or errand—it’s a gift to both of you.
Set digital boundaries. Turn off notifications or social media for an evening to truly rest and recharge.
When you prioritize your needs, you’re modeling healthy boundaries and emotional regulation for your children.
Combining Gratitude and Self-Care for Holiday Balance
The most effective way to stay sane this holiday season is to blend gratitude and self-care together.
For example:
After a stressful day, write a quick gratitude note to yourself for showing up anyway.
During family chaos, pause and breathe deeply, noticing one small thing that brings you joy.
Create a “gratitude jar” with your kids—fill it with daily notes of appreciation and read them together on the holiday you choose. We are currently doing this in my house to read together on Thanksgiving Day!
These practices shift your focus from doing to being—from striving for perfection to embracing presence.
Final Thoughts
The holidays will never be perfectly calm or completely stress-free, but they can be meaningful and manageable when you approach them with gratitude and self-compassion.
Remember: you deserve to enjoy this season, too.
Start small. Slow down. Notice the good.
That’s how you stay grounded, grateful, and sane through the holiday season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Reagan Glover, LMFT is a therapist serving clients in Scotts Valley, Aptos and via telehealth throughout California. If you are interested in learning about how you can seek support with Reagan either now or after the new year, visit www.reaganglovermft.com and fill out an inquiry. There’s never been a better time to focus on your own well-being.
