Quick Guide for Thriving Through the Holidays
Join me for a soothing guide to thriving (not just surviving!) this holiday season. With personal stories and real talk, I’m offering potent practices for setting boundaries, staying grounded, and finding magic in the holidays.
Embrace the Energy of the Season
The holidays often carry a mix of joy and complexity. There can be memories, nostalgia, and sometimes tricky dynamics with others. If you’re feeling a pull between making the season magical and managing everything on your plate, know you’re not alone. You don’t have to do it all to create meaningful moments. It’s okay to slow down, simplify, and prioritize what truly matters to you.
Set Intentions for Your Holidays
Take a moment to reflect on how you want this holiday season to unfold:
What kind of energy do you want to embody?
What are your priorities?
Use these answers to anchor yourself when things feel overwhelming. Remembering what truly matters can help you navigate distractions and stay grounded.
Practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Stress during the holidays is almost inevitable, but there are simple ways to find calm and stay connected to yourself. Here are a few ideas:
One-Minute Breathing Practice
Step away from the chaos, take a deep breath, and exhale slowly. Focus on your inhales and exhales for just one minute. Let your thoughts fade into the background, even if just briefly.
Eight-Minute Journaling Session
Take a few minutes to write out what’s on your mind—your stress, your to-dos, and anything that’s weighing on you. Then, shift your focus and write what you truly want to feel or experience this season. Let your intuition guide you to clarity.
Listen to Your Inner Voice
Tap into your intuition with small, intentional moments of connection. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply sitting in stillness, your inner wisdom holds calm and ease amidst the holiday chaos.
Movement + Presence
Take a quiet walk, even just around the block, without distractions. Leave your music or podcasts behind, and focus on being present in your surroundings. This small practice can bring clarity and calm.
Finding Peace in Family Dynamics
Family gatherings can be both joyful and challenging. Here’s how to approach tricky dynamics:
Let People Be Themselves + Drop Your Expectations
Accepting others for who they are (even when they frustrate you) can bring more peace to the moment. Release the need to control or change others, and focus on how you want to feel instead.
It’s natural to wish for things to go a certain way, but unmet expectations often lead to disappointment. Practice softening your grip and allowing the moment to unfold, however imperfectly.
When In Doubt, Change the Conversation
If a conversation takes a negative or tense turn, gently shift gears with a lighthearted question:
“Have you read any good books lately?”
“What’s your favorite part of the holidays?”
“Do you have any fun plans for the new year?”
Simple questions can create meaningful moments and steer the gathering toward connection.
Reframe What Thriving this Season Looks Like
Thriving during the holidays doesn’t mean perfection. It might look like:
Loosening expectations to focus on what matters.
Choosing rest over rushing through to-dos.
Being present and finding joy in the little moments.
Allowing yourself to feel all your emotions without judgment.
And if thriving feels out of reach right now, know that simply surviving is more than enough. There’s no “perfect” way to navigate the holidays.
Ready for More Support? Work With Me
If this season has you craving deeper connection or calm, I’m here to help. My coaching is designed to help you find ease, clarity, and alignment—no matter what life brings your way.
A Year of Calm for You
When you’re overwhelmed and uninspired, a few deep breaths won’t cut it. What you need is a whole new way to connect with yourself.
Get ready to finally feel grounded in who you are and where you’re headed.
Listen to the Celebrate Cultivate Podcast
Keep Reading for More Inspiration
My Favorite Holiday Tradition for Cultivating Calm: Writing a Letter to Your Future Self
‘Tis the season to juggle holidays, motherhood, work, emotions, and all the things. Learn how my favorite holiday tradition has helped me cultivate calm year after year.
About Kaileen Elise Sues
Hi, I'm Kaileen! Intuition coach, host of the Celebrate Cultivate podcast, and mom of three.
Until I found my inner voice, I was a perfectionist always on the edge of overwhelm. This practice changes everything.
That’s why I’m here to help you access your intuition. So you can heal old wounds, manifest magic, and find calm in the chaos of daily life.
