4 Steps to a Happy Holiday Season

December 1, 2024

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and as the dust settles, I’ve been reminded by countless conversations with clients and friends that the holidays aren’t always easy and filled with the joy and connection we hope for.

For some, the Thanksgiving holiday was full of connection and meaningful moments. But for many others, it felt stressful, overwhelming, frustrating and disappointing. 

Lets face it—at the heart of it all is the health of our relationships—whether with family, friends, or your significant other—relationships are the foundation of our well-being. 

When your relationships are healthy, they bring you peace, energy, and joy. But when they’re full of unspoken tension or unresolved drama, they can leave you feeling depleted and disconnected.

The holidays have a way of magnifying our relationships. They can reveal both the strength of your connections that nourish you and the areas where you feel stuck or out of alignment.

But it’s not too late to create more peace to close out the year.

As we head into the rest of this holiday season, it’s worth asking yourself:

How do I want to show up in my relationships this month?
What do I need to feel connected, present, and grounded?

While you can’t control the dynamics of everyone else, you can set the tone for your experience. 

Here’s how to start:

Grab a journal and lets get started. 

1. Plant a Seed: Start with Your Vision

Your reality begins with your vision. Take a moment to reflect: How do I want my holiday season to feel? 

Be clear about what you value most and how you want to experience your time with others. When you create a clear intention for how you want to navigate the holidays, you’ll find it easier to make choices aligned with your vision.

2. Tune Into Your Body’s Wisdom

Holiday dynamics can pull you in many directions. Before saying yes to plans or responding to someone’s expectations, pause and check in with yourself. Ask: Does this feel like a full-body yes? Or am I agreeing out of guilt or obligation?

Your body holds incredible wisdom. Listening to it can help you avoid unnecessary drama and prioritize what truly matters. (If you’re curious about how to practice this, my Whole Body Yes workshop on December 7th is designed to teach you exactly that!)

3. Set Compassionate Boundaries

Creating a drama-free holiday season doesn’t mean avoiding people or conversations altogether—it means being honest about your needs and limits.

For example, if family tension is likely, consider setting time limits for visits or choosing neutral spaces for gatherings. Speak with compassion but be firm about what feels good for you. Healthy boundaries allow you to stay connected without sacrificing your peace.

4. Let Go of Perfection

The holidays can be messy. People may misunderstand you, plans might fall apart, and unresolved dynamics may show up. That’s okay. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. When you let go of the need for everything to go smoothly, you create space for authentic connection, even in imperfect moments.

The holiday season doesn’t have to feel like a balancing act of obligations and expectations. It can be a time to reconnect with your values, nurture your relationships, and honor what matters most to you.

So, before the next family gathering, take a moment to pause. Reflect on your vision. Check in with your body. Set boundaries with compassion. And most importantly, give yourself permission to create a holiday season that feels authentic to you.

in trust and gratitude,

Annmarie Chereso
Author, Speaker, Coach, & Meditation Teacher

PS: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pull of family dynamics or uncertain about how to navigate the season, I invite you to join my Whole Body Yes workshop. This simple yet powerful practice will help you tune into your inner wisdom and make decisions aligned with your highest good—because the holidays should be a source of joy, not stress.

Let’s make this holiday season one of intention, connection, and peace.