The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but let’s be honest — they often bring just as much stress as a string of Christmas lights tangled in the box. Between shopping lists, financial strain, family dynamics, and endless events, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes instead of holiday cheer.

You’re not alone. In fact, my research shows that 89% of Americans report experiencing stress during the holiday season, and 41% say their stress levels actually increase this time of year (McLean Hospital). The good news? With a little planning (and a lot of self-love), you can enjoy the season with more peace and less pressure.

That’s where this Holiday Planning Survival Guide comes in. Below, I’ll share practical tips, mindset shifts, and even a few shortcuts to help you not just survive the season — but savor it.

And here’s the best part: I’ll be going deeper on each of these topics in my YouTube series, so make sure to subscribe if you’d like extra support and detailed step-by-step strategies.

Why We Feel Overwhelmed During the Holidays

Holiday stress often comes from:

• Money worries (gifts, travel, entertaining)
• Unrealistic expectations (trying to create a “Hallmark movie” setting – Uh, guilty!)
• Time crunches (too many obligations, too little rest)
• Family and social dynamics
• Comparison on social media

When we acknowledge these pressure points, it becomes easier to create a plan that lightens the load.

Want to make this even easier? I created a free Holiday Planning Survival Checklist you can download and print. It’s packed with quick prompts, budget trackers, and my SEAS self-care reminders to help you stay calm and joyful this holiday season.
👉 Download Your Free Checklist

The SEAS Framework: 4 Pillars for a Calmer Season

If you know me, you know I’m a beach-lover. So I like to use the acronym SEAS — because we all want calmer holiday “seas” instead of stormy waters.

S: Sleep (Protect Your Rest)

Sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice — yet it’s the foundation of your energy, mood, and immunity.

• Block bedtime in your calendar like any other appointment.
• Create a cozy wind-down ritual (lavender mist, tea, light stretching).
• Say no to late-night commitments when your body needs rest.

And if you’d like extra support, I created a Sleep Well Naturally course packed with tips and tools to help you rest better year-round.

E: Eat Well & Exercise (Keep Your Body Balanced)

The season is full of indulgence — and that’s okay! There are some foods we only eat during the holiday. You should not miss out on them. But balance and moderation help you feel good in your body all season long..

• Prioritize protein and veggies at meals so sweets don’t spike your energy.
• Stay hydrated — aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
• Build in gentle movement: walking after meals, stretching during shopping breaks, dancing to Christmas music in your living room.

A: Aromatherapy & Atmosphere (Soothe Your Senses)

Scents have a powerful effect on stress and mood.

• Diffuse calming oils like lavender, serenity, adaptiv. Or oils that remind us of Christmas (frankincense, myrrh, peppermint).
• Use spa-like products (bubble baths, body scrubs, lotions) to create mini retreats at home.
• Light a candle or simmer cinnamon, cloves, and orange on the stove for instant comfort.

S: Self-Love (Your Holiday Anchor)

The holidays aren’t just about giving to others — you need to fill your own cup, too.

• Schedule “me time” (tea, bubble bath, journaling, quiet prayer).
• Set boundaries: it’s okay to decline an invitation.
• Take deep breaths before entering stressful spaces (like crowded stores or tense family dinners).

Money Matters: Budgeting to Reduce Stress

Finances are one of the biggest holiday stressors. Here’s how to manage them with grace:

• Create a budget now — gifts, food, décor, travel. Stick to it.
• Avoid debt traps — consider group gifts, homemade presents, or experience gifts.
• Plan early — spread out spending before December hits.

💜 Need help? I offer three stress-saving solutions:

1. Special holiday offers on beauty, body, and wellness products.
2. Host an online party and earn up to $100 in free products of your choice (perfect for gift-giving!).
3. Join my team to unlock 45% savings on your holiday shopping.

Delegate, Outsource, Simplify

You don’t have to do it all. In fact, you shouldn’t.

• Hire a cleaning service for a holiday refresh.
• Assign family members for grocery runs, wrapping duty, or dessert prep.
• Cook and freeze meals ahead of time.
• If you’re local to me, I can even be your personal holiday shopper and gift wrapper.

Set Realistic Expectations (This Isn’t a Movie)

Perfection is a thief of joy. Stop trying to create the picture-perfect “Hallmark Christmas.” Those sets aren’t really. Trust me, my husband worked in the movie and television industry. The glam is fake.

• Focus on what really matters: memories, connection, laughter.
• Release the need to over-decorate, over-host, or over-spend.
• Pick your top three priorities and let the rest be “bonus.”

Stay Grounded: Gratitude, Mindset, and Social Media

Practice gratitude: write down 3 things you’re thankful for each day.

Reflect on meaning: spend time in prayer, Scripture, or journaling.

Limit comparison: too much scrolling fuels stress. Set screen-time limits and protect your peace.

Navigating Grief and Emotional Heaviness

The holidays can stir up tender emotions — especially if you’re missing a loved one, navigating family conflict, or carrying memories that feel heavy. It’s okay if joy feels complicated.

• Give yourself permission to grieve. Tears, quiet moments, or lighting a candle in someone’s honor are all valid ways to process.
• Create new traditions. Honor your loved one’s memory with a favorite dish, song, or ritual that keeps them close. I bake my nephew’s favorite Christmas cookie – chocolate crinkles. It is a way of keeping him close, even if it’s only in my heart.
• Lean on community. Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend, support group, or faith community.
• Practice gentle self-care. Choose activities that comfort you, not just the ones that check boxes on a holiday list.

Remember: it’s okay for your season to look different. Joy and grief can coexist, and by giving yourself grace, you create space for both.

Plan Ahead with Tools & Calendars

A holiday calendar is your best friend.

• Block out events, deadlines, and shopping days. Remember to schedule downtime, too.
• Use reminders for tasks (ship gifts, bake cookies, finalize menus).
• Create checklists so nothing falls through the cracks.

After the Holidays: Rest & Reset

Once the celebrations are over, give yourself permission to slow down.

• Take a recovery day before diving back into work.
• Reflect: what worked this year? What will you do differently next year?
• Carry your gratitude and calm into the New Year.

Don’t let holiday stress steal your joy this year. Download my free Holiday Planning Survival Guide Checklist and discover how simple it can be to plan ahead, protect your peace, and fully enjoy the season.
👉 Download the Checklist

Final Thoughts

Stress doesn’t have to be your default this holiday season. With a little planning, the SEAS framework, and some smart shortcuts, you can create more peace, more joy, and more presence with the people who matter most.

And if this season feels tender — whether you’re navigating stress, grief, or missing a loved one — please know you’re not alone. Give yourself grace, honor your feelings, and allow joy to appear in its own gentle way. 💜

✨ Want extra support? I’ll be diving deeper into each of these holiday survival tips on YouTube. Subscribe to join me for weekly videos designed to help you stay calm, healthy, and joyful through the season.

And remember — I’m here to help. Whether you’d love a personal shopper, free gifts through an online party, or the savings that come with joining my team, you don’t have to navigate the holidays alone.

Cheers to a holiday season that feels joyful, not overwhelming. You deserve it. 💜

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Purple Essence By Evelyn, your partner in aging well and creating a season full of grace, confidence, and joy.