The holiday season is upon us, the countdown for Christmas is on, and with it comes a whirlwind of to-do lists, school events, family gatherings, and an endless loop of “Mom, where are my Christmas socks?”

It’s a magical time of year, but it can also feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions; at least, I feel that way.

So how do we slow down, soak up the joy, and actually enjoy the holidays instead of rushing through them?

Here are some simple, practical ideas to help you stay present and keep your sanity intact during the holiday chaos.

How to Stay Present During the Holiday Chaos

1. Start Your Day with Intention

Before the house wakes up and the day gets rolling, take five minutes for yourself.  Whether it’s sipping coffee in silence, writing down three things you’re grateful for, or setting a small goal for the day, these moments of calm can set the tone for a more mindful day. I use my Gratitude Journal every morning, and I love taking those five minutes to set a positive start to my day. 

Example intention to get you started: “Today, I will focus on enjoying time with my family, even if everything on my list doesn’t get done.” (Let’s stop feeling guilty all the time if we don’t accomplish everything on the list). 

2. Say No to Perfection

It is so tempting to try to create the “perfect” holiday for your family—perfect decorations, perfect meals, perfect gifts. But here’s a secret: the most memorable moments are often the imperfect and unplanned ones. Embrace the messy cookie decorating and the mismatched ornaments. Let go of the need to do it all and focus on what truly matters to your family.

I used to really care about matching all the ornaments on the tree. For the last couple of years, I just accepted it for what it is: a beautiful tree filled with memories, even if they are not perfectly colour-coded or made of the same material. Every single tree ornament is a lovely memory and that is what really matters. 

3. Practice Mindful Breathing

A quick breathing exercise can work wonders when the holiday chaos feels overwhelming. Sometimes, there is just too much in your to-do list, and you are feeling anxious.

Try this:

  • Breathe in for four counts.
  • Hold your breath for four counts.
  • Exhale for six counts.
  • Repeat three times.

This simple practice can help you feel more grounded, when you need it most.

4. Build in Small Joyful Rituals

The holidays are full of traditions, but sometimes, the simplest rituals are the most meaningful. Think about small, daily moments you can savour with your kids: reading a holiday story before bed, sharing hot cocoa by the fireplace, or even just taking a walk to admire the neighborhood lights. No need to make everything a big/extra event. These moments don’t require much planning but can create lasting memories.

5. Take a Break from the Noise

It’s okay to step away from the hustle and bustle to recharge, it is a busy, busy month, with so much to do and so much resting on parent’s shoulders to get things done.

Schedule a quiet moment for yourself each day—even if it’s just 10 minutes in your room with a good book or your favourite holiday playlist.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Your well-being matters!

6. Focus on Connection, Not Tasks

Getting caught up in the to-do list is easy, but the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Try to let go of the pressure to check every box and instead focus on the connections you’re fostering. Whether it’s a heart-to-heart with your partner, a laugh-filled game night with the kids, or scheduling a date with a friend to wander a local Christmas Marker (doing this one next week!),  these moments are what make the season unique.

7. Reflect Each Night

Take a moment to reflect on one thing that brought you joy every night. This small practice can help shift your focus from what didn’t get done to what truly matters, just like the morning Gratitude Journal practice.

Bonus points if you encourage your kids to do this, too!

The holidays are a season of wonder, but they’re also a lot of work. By being intentional and making space for mindfulness, you can turn the chaos into a time of connection, joy, and a little peace.

So, pour yourself a cup of something warm, take a deep breath, and remember: you’ve got this!

xo