Ask Elizabeth: How to Protect Your Peace During the Holidays and Actually Enjoy the Season

Dear Elizabeth,

I love the holidays, but honestly… they also stress me out. Between family dynamics, travel, expectations, and trying to make everything “perfect,” I end up feeling exhausted instead of joyful. I want this season to feel meaningful, not just busy. How can I protect my peace and still enjoy the holidays?

— Overwhelmed by the Holidays

Dear Overwhelmed,

First, take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. The holidays can bring out the best and the most stressed in all of us. We feel pressure to create magic, to please everyone, and to live up to memories that probably weren’t as perfect as we remember. Trust me, I’m no Martha Stewart! If the cookies don’t burn and the family’s still speaking by dessert, I call that a win. Peace isn’t found in perfection; it’s found in presence.

Here are a few ways to protect your peace and actually enjoy the holidays this year:

1. Redefine “Perfect. ”Perfect isn’t the flawless meal or the Pinterest-worthy decor! It’s the laughter, the hugs, the quiet moments that go unposted. Let imperfection become part of your holiday story.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Pause. Step outside for a moment of fresh air, sip your coffee slowly, or simply breathe before responding to that text. Those pauses help you reconnect to yourself and remind you that peace starts within.

3. Set Loving Boundaries. You don’t have to attend every event or say yes to every request. Protecting your energy allows you to show up more present, kind, and authentic when you do say yes.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Comparison. The most peaceful holiday moments are about creating your own joy. Put your attention where love lives: in connection, not competition.

5. Remember: Less Can Be More. Simplify where you can. Fewer gifts, fewer plans, fewer obligations can often mean more joy, more peace, and more time to actually experience what matters.

Elizabeth’s Reminder: The holidays aren’t a performance, they’re a practice. Each moment is an invitation to return to gratitude, grace, and presence. When you choose peace over pressure, you don’t just change your holiday, you change the energy around you.

With love and gratitude,

Elizabeth