I remember the first Thanksgiving after Diana was born. I was adjusting to life with a newborn, and I was also hosting most of my in-laws at our home for the first time. Talk about pressure! With a freshly birthed baby in my arms, I made a choice that turned out to be a game-changer—I had our meal catered.
Best. Decision. Ever.
Instead of spending the entire day in the kitchen, I got to hang out with my family. I wasn’t tired and sweaty, and I wasn’t scrambling to get everything done. I was confident in my decision because it allowed me to be present, socialize, take pictures, and truly enjoy the moment. I spent about the same amount of money as I would have preparing everything from scratch, but I saved myself so much energy, sleep, and hassle.
Here’s how to take the pressure off yourself and actually enjoy the holidays:
1. Manage Expectations Early: Set clear expectations with yourself and your family about what the holidays will look like. Communicate openly about what you can realistically handle, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that will add unnecessary stress. Confidence comes from knowing your limits and honoring them.
2. Create Small Wins: Choose one or two things you really want to do or make this holiday. Maybe it’s your famous stuffing or a dessert that everyone loves. By focusing on a few key tasks, you create small, manageable wins that boost your confidence and allow you to feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Delegate and Simplify: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or to simplify your plans. Consider catering some or all of your meal, or host a potluck where everyone brings a dish. This way, you’re not doing everything yourself, and you can focus on enjoying the time with your loved ones.
4. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection: Remember, the holidays are about connecting with those you love, not about meeting impossible standards of perfection. When you let go of the need to do it all, you open yourself up to experiencing the joy and magic of the season more fully.
5. Embrace Flexibility: Things may not go perfectly, and that’s okay! Flexibility is key to managing stress and maintaining your confidence. When plans change or things don’t go as expected, take a deep breath and remind yourself that what matters most is the time spent with family.
Having high levels of confidence doesn’t mean you don’t want more or better—it means you understand what truly matters and have the courage to prioritize that. This holiday season, give yourself permission to enjoy it on your own terms.
If you’re ready to approach the holidays with less stress and more joy, start by taking small steps to manage your expectations, create wins, and prioritize what truly matters. And if you need a little extra guidance on building confidence or setting boundaries, send me a message—we’re in this together!
Here’s to a confident, joyful, and stress-free holiday season!
