5 Tips for a Joyful and Stress-Free Christmas Season: A Heartfelt Holiday Reflection
The Lavender Letter
Dear Lavender Loves,
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and truly one of my favorites. The lights, the music, the sparkle, the cheer. I can’t scroll past a single Christmas décor photo or video without stopping to admire how people decorate their homes, their trees, their towns. And if I’m being honest (why wouldn’t I be?), I start watching Christmas movies on October 31st. Yes, I want all the joy and romance of the season early, and I absolutely refuse to wait until November or after Thanksgiving.
Because here’s what I know to be true, even if it’s only true in my head: Halloween is the kickoff to the Holiday season. Thanksgiving and Christmas go together. They’re not separate; they’re extensions of the same beautiful, twinkling celebration. And yes… I’m a little obsessed with the Holiday season, so don’t mind my ramblings.
Sometimes, when I daydream about the path-not-taken, I imagine myself owning an all-year-round Christmas store. And a gift shop. And a bakery. And a hotel. My Christmas-town takeover is quite dramatic but instead of a tiny village in places unknown, I own an entire city block. I won’t go too far into my “Christmas block” vision or my playful remix of Jay-Z’s “I be the block.” Ho ho ho. I’m giggling just typing this.
But none of this comes from regret of past choices made. Daydreaming is a part of my creativity; a place where imagination plays and rests. And even without owning Holiday Boulevard, I still want everyone to feel a little more joy this season.
So today, I’m sharing 5 simple tips (along with a few personal thoughts) to help you have a less stressful and more joy-filled Holiday season.
1. Keep Your Budget Sacred
You don’t have to spend a fortune on gifts. If you’re on a budget, honor it; no matter how tempting the sales are. Make a list and check it twice. Look for discounts, use coupons, and consider alternatives that are just as thoughtful.
And remember your own talented gifts: can you sew, crochet, bake, draw? Something that is handmade, created with intention and care is often more meaningful than anything you can buy. The time and love poured into it is the heart of Christmas.
2. Treat Yourself (Without Guilt)
We get so focused on giving to others that we forget to include ourselves. Put yourself on the list and not as a “maybe,” but as a yes.
A treat doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be a moment or an experience: trying a new restaurant, indulging in a decadent dessert, seeing a show you’ve been curious about.
Give yourself a little joy, just because.
3. You Can Say No
“No.” is a full sentence and an act of self-respect. If you’re not feeling well, emotionally drained, or simply don’t want to attend a gathering, you can decline without guilt. This isn’t just a Christmas rule; it’s a life rule. When you allow yourself to be pressured into things you don’t want to do, you strip the joy out of the season. Be honest, stand firm, and preserve your peace.
4. Make a Christmas Bucket List
Your list can hold dreams big or small. Maybe it’s a simple walk around your neighborhood to admire the lights, or trying a new recipe you found in an old cookbook.
But it can also include bigger experiences. I have a few of those myself the places I consider the most “Christmasy” in the world: New York, London, and Hallmark’s Crown Center in Kansas City. Visiting any of these during the Holiday season would feel like stepping inside a daydream brought to life. Give yourself permission to dream and to savor.
5. Rest Like It’s Sacred
No matter how busy life gets, your body still needs rest. Rest isn’t optional; it’s mandatory. In the middle of the Holiday bustle, find small pockets of quiet, even if it’s just ten minutes. Close your eyes. Inhale. Exhale. Release whatever tension you’re carrying even if it’s the joyful overwhelm of festive fun. Power naps, if you can take them, are tiny miracles. They boost your mood, increase alertness, and help you stay grounded.
I hope this glimpse into my daydreams, along with these Holiday tips, brought a bit of joy to your day. May you find wonder, sparkle, and peace as you move through this beautiful Christmas season.
- Sharon
The Lavender Letter — a continuing series of reflections, encouragement, and behind-the-desk notes from Sharon, shared from my personal thoughts and musings.