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- Holiday joy without the overwhelm
As American Thanksgiving approaches, the festive season is officially kicking off.
Family gatherings, shared meals, and holiday traditions await — but so do the occasional challenges that come with them.
This time of year offers so many opportunities to create meaningful moments.
Yet, it also calls for a thoughtful approach to balance joy with the inevitable stressors.
That’s why I’ve gathered a few tips to help you navigate it all — from managing expectations and handling sensitive topics with grace, to maintaining your health and well-being amidst the season’s indulgences.
Let’s dive in and explore how to make this holiday time not only enjoyable but also productive!
Read time: 2.9 minutes
Before we begin: Here’s what you might have missed last week…
Big idea #1: High intentions > High expectations
The holiday season often comes with high expectations — love, joy, relaxation, and that magical feeling of connection.
We picture cozy moments, happy gatherings, and maybe even catching up on some much-needed rest.
But reality often has other plans:
Schedules collide.
Things don’t go as smoothly as we hoped.
And let’s be honest — pleasing everyone is impossible.
This year, let’s shift our mindset.
Instead of clinging to high expectations, focus on high intentions.
Anticipate that things might not be perfect — and that’s okay.
Accept that some hiccups are part of the experience.
Remember: conflicts may arise, but they don’t have to define your holiday.
Instead, set intentions for what you can control:
What kind of energy you want to bring into the room.
How you want to influence people around you.
How you want to care for yourself.
Because when you expect less and show up more, you’ll create space for the moments that truly matter.
Big idea #2: Don’t hope. Don’t avoid. Predict and prepare.
“They better not bring this up during dinner!”
Spoiler alert: they will.
Now that you expect it, the real question is: how will you prepare?
Here’s a simple 4-step plan to navigate these situations gracefully💃:
1. Create a list.
Identify who or what is likely to push your buttons.
(Who usually tries to get under your skin?)Note topics you'd prefer to avoid (relationships, career, etc).
Think about specific questions that could trigger your emotions.
(Anticipate other potentially annoying or awkward remarks.)
2. Plan your response.
Use this advantage to think through replies or exit strategies in advance.
Consider humour as a deflection tool:
Example: When asked, “So, when are you getting married?” allow a moment of awkward silence to make your point, then reply with light sarcasm, “Oh, you’ll be the first to know!”
3. Enlist support.
If certain questions are off-limits, let someone you trust know in advance.
They can redirect the conversation, e.g., “Let’s not talk about work — what’s the funniest thing that happened to you this year?”
4. Handle persistence.
If someone keeps pushing, see it as a test of patience rather than a personal attack.
Treat it like a game: your win is staying calm and collected while not letting them get under your skin.
Remember, hoping they won’t bring it up is a strategy bound for failure.
Instead:
Predict the questions.
Prepare your approach.
Protect your peace.
Big idea #3: Protect your time and energy
The excitement of reuniting with loved ones over the holidays — especially when traveling home — is undeniable.
But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
To make the most of the season, here are a few key reminders:
1. Do not overcommit.
Stretching yourself too thin leads to exhaustion — and often the need for a post-holiday break.
Aim for balance so you can truly enjoy your time without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Saying “no” is allowed, even during the holidays.
With invites flying in from colleagues, family, and friends, assess your availability and your genuine interest before accepting.
Use a calendar to avoid overbooking, and ask yourself: “If this event was tomorrow, would I want to go?” If not, you probably won’t want to go next week either.
Declining invitations can be both polite and kind — no guilt needed.
3. Express your emotions.
While gratitude is important, don’t suppress negative feelings just because “it’s holidays”. Bottling them up often leads to untimely emotional outbursts.
Talk things out with someone who has the capacity to listen, or try journaling to process privately.
4. Prioritize sleep.
Quality sleep is critical for managing anxiety, stress, and overwhelm.
Protect your rest, even during the busiest days.
If you missed my earlier sleep mastery checklist, check it out here:
5. Stay true to your healthy lifestyle.
Family gatherings often tempt old habits, but holidays don’t have to derail your wellness routine.
Mindful indulgence is the key — enjoy the dessert, but savour each bite and listen to your hunger cues instead of eating out of habit.
Can’t hit the gym? No problem! Fit in a 15-minute home workout or a brisk walk to keep your energy up.
The holidays are meant to be joyful — not draining.
Protect your time and energy to fully embrace the season.
The Productivist Questions:
Family gatherings and corporate events often remind us that there’s an appropriate place and time for certain conversations.
This principle, however, isn't just limited to holiday events; it's valuable thought the year.
I encourage you to always carry these key filter-questions in your mind before you speak:
Does THIS need to be said?
Does this need to be said by ME?
Does this need to be said by me right NOW?
Wish you a wonderful week ahead,
Valeriya
PS: What are your holiday plans? Let me know by hitting reply or DMing me on LinkedIn!
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