5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress

How do you avoid holiday stress, especially if you have a dysfunctional relationship with the holidays (you hate them, but could never leave them)? Holidays are supposed to be a time of connection and joy, but I find the intensity of what they should be ends up creating more pressure and overwhelm than good tidings. Between mass consumerism, family politics, work expectations, and holiday travel, the season sometimes feels more like going through boot camp only to get fatter. Over the years, I've developed some tips to avoid holiday stress before it turns me into the Grinch. 

👉 It's not me, it's for a friend? Check out these great gifts for stressed out friends. 

Here are my 5 tips to avoid holiday stress that are simple, practical, and worth giving a try. These tips focus on your mind, body, and daily rituals. For me, small, intentional practices reduce my tension, help me stay grounded, and allow me to enjoy the season on my terms. I hope they work for you, too!

How to Avoid Holiday Stress Tip #1: Notice Changes in Your Sleep

Sleep is often the first thing to signal stress. Trouble falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night, or feeling drained during the day are all ways your body tells you it is under pressure. Recognizing these early signs is one of the most effective ways to avoid holiday stress.

What to do if you are having trouble sleeping:

• Set a personal electronics cutoff, like 30–60 minutes before bed, to reduce stimulation.
• Create a calming bedtime routine. Dim the lights, silence your phone, and focus on slow, deep breathing. Imagine your breath is a wave washing over you.

Please pay close attention to this! Getting good sleep is so vital to your health and one of the most reliable ways to avoid holiday stress.

👉  RELATED: Sleep Rituals to do at Night for Deep, Restorative Rest

How to Avoid Holiday Stress Tip #2: Pause Before Reacting

Excitement and Anxiety are like 7-year-old twins running rampant in the mall. You thought seeing Santa would be fun, but the 2-hour wait is wrecking your afternoon plans. If you notice yourself snapping at minor frustrations, feeling overstimulated in stores, or swinging between excitement and overwhelm, you might be stressed out.

What to do if you are experiencing mood swings:

• Step away from the situation for 30–60 seconds. Take a few deep breaths. A brief pause can reset your nervous system.
• Speak your emotional truth out loud. Saying “I need a moment!” validates your feelings without judgment.
• Find something to focus on that helps you relax. An essential oil candle creates a relaxing atmosphere. The warm aroma of a holiday candle, like the Myrrh & Frankincense Candle, can be a sensory anchor, helping you slow down and regain calm.

Taking a beat before you react will not only help you avoid holiday stress, your calmness can be contagious. Soon, your friends and family will feel more relaxed, too.  

How to Avoid Holiday Stress Tip #3: Release Physical Tension

Stress often manifests in the body before your mind notices it. Tight shoulders, clenching jaws, shallow breathing, and restless energy are all warning signs. Addressing physical tension is an essential step to avoid holiday stress and is one of the holiday stress relief tips many people overlook.

What to do if you are as tense as a piano wire:

• Check yourself: Do a short body scan from head to toe, noticing any tension. Directing your attention to the tense areas will help relax them.
• Close your eyes: Use a bag of rice or dried beans as a make-shift weighted pillow on your chest or eyes. The gentle pressure of the bag will encourage relaxation. If you want to get extra fancy, try our Linen & Lavender Eye Pillow for the added benefit of natural lavender aromatherapy.
• Calm your nerves: Sip hot cacao slowly. It's not only warm and delicious, cacao is also one of the best natural nervous system supporters because it contains:
  • Magnesium, which relaxes muscles, supports the parasympathetic nervous system, and helps reduce stress and tension. [1]
  • Theobromine, which is a gentle stimulant, smooths out mood and increases a sense of calm focus. [2]
  • Flavanols, tryptophan, and serotonin precursors which all can reduce perceived stress, elevate mood, and calm the mind. [3]

Being mindful of physical tension is part of a critical action plan to avoid holiday stress. Giving it a release valve supports your overall emotional and mental well‑being.

How to Avoid Holiday Stress Tip #4: Set Clear Boundaries

Overcommitment is a common holiday stressor. While you don't want to miss out on the fun, saying “yes” to everything leaves little time for you. It's okay to overdo it a bit and embrace the holiday spirit, just be sure you check in with yourself as you go. Setting boundaries is a strategic way to protect your energy and refuel when you've drained your batteries.

Practical strategies for setting boundaries:

• Identify which events and connections are most important to you. It is okay to politely decline anything that doesn't make the cut.
• Communicate your limits clearly. A simple “I can’t commit to that this year” works better than over-explaining.
• Schedule self-care breaks where you can relax and calm your nervous system, even for just 10 minutes.

Intentional boundaries are essential strategies that can help you avoid holiday stress. They prevent overwhelm before it starts.

How to Avoid Holiday Stress Tip #5: Create a Daily Mindful Ritual

A simple, repeatable ritual anchors your nervous system and reduces stress. The combination of sensory input, mindfulness, and intentional pauses strengthens resilience and promotes calm. [4]

Try this simple self-care ritual:

1. Create the mood: Use an aromatherapy candle to create a grounded, peaceful space. Try our Myrrh & Frankincense Candle for a holiday atmosphere.
2. Calm the nerves: Slowly sip a packet of hot cacao, focusing on the warmth and flavor. Try the Hot Cacao for a delicious vegan treat.
3. Rest: Place the Linen & Lavender Eye Pillow over your eyes or chest for a sensory reset.
4. Breathe: Take three deep breaths and silently affirm: “I am here. I am safe. I can slow down.”

As a daily practice, this routine combines physical, emotional, and mental care. It is by far my favorite of all these holiday stress relief tips. 

There you have it: that's my top 5 tips to avoid holiday stress.

Bringing It All Together

The holiday season does not have to be overwhelming. By following even just one or two of these 5 tips to avoid holiday stress, you can keep the emotional meltdown at bay.

Remember, it is important to pay attention to stress signals. They are the early warning signals from your body to care for yourself. Incorporating these tips consistently is a reliable way to avoid holiday stress. Think of it like a "pre-game vitamin" - you can go out and live it up, knowing that your holiday hangover won't hurt so bad the next morning.

By prioritizing your well-being, you create space for meaningful connection, holiday fun, and presence. These are the most sustainable forms of holiday stress relief available, and they can make all the difference in how you experience the season.

Note About Our Subscription Boxes

You don't need to buy any self-care products to benefit from these tips. For those seeking a little extra umph, our monthly self-care subscription boxes include 3-4 full-size products at steep discounts, chosen to enhance your self-care routine. The December 2025 subscription box includes our best-selling holiday candle (the Myrrh & Frankincense Coconut Wax Candle), a Linen & Lavender Eye Pillow, and two single-serve packets of the best hot cacao around. I have selected each of these items to celebrate the season and support your strategies for getting through it stress-free.

FAQ: How to Avoid Holiday Stress

What are the first signs that I might need to avoid holiday stress?

Common early signals include trouble sleeping, feeling easily irritated, and noticing physical tension like tight shoulders or jaw clenching. These signs often show up before full burnout. Paying attention to them early helps you avoid holiday stress before it builds.

How can sensory rituals help me avoid holiday stress?

Simple sensory rituals like lighting a grounding candle, using a lavender eye pillow, or sipping warm cacao help shift your body into the rest and digest state. These rituals cue your nervous system to slow down, which makes it easier to avoid holiday stress throughout the day.

What boundaries help most when trying to avoid holiday stress?

You can avoid holiday stress by saying no to commitments that drain you, limiting screen time, protecting your sleep, and scheduling small pockets of rest. Clear boundaries create space for calm and reduce the emotional overload that often comes with the busy season.

Can daily mindfulness really help me avoid holiday stress?

Yes. A short grounding practice repeated daily can build resilience. Even five minutes of mindful breathing, warmth from a cup of cacao, or quiet time with an eye pillow can signal safety to your nervous system. Consistency is what makes it powerful and helps you avoid holiday stress long term.