Here come the holidays!
As a coach, interfaith minister, and someone who’s walked with people through every kind of life challenge, I know this time of year can stir up a lot.
We “plan” to celebrate, to rest, and to reflect every year.
But we tend to end up feeling more depleted than restored every year.
Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, or all of the above, holiday stress doesn’t just stay at the dinner table. It spills over into how you show up at work, in your business, and in your relationships.
If we’re not intentional, the season can derail our energy, focus, and joy.
I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.
But this year, I’m challenging you to actually do something about it.
Let’s go into this season with a few powerful reminders to help us protect our peace.
I like to think of it as a Holiday Survival Kit.
Just remember: NBC (like the network bringing us the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, Wicked: One Wonderful Night, etc.)
These three letters could save your holiday season.
N is for NO.
Saying no is one of the most powerful skills you’ll ever learn.
But let’s be real; it’s hard, especially if you’re used to being the glue that holds everything together.
This year, try it anyway:
No to the appetizer no one really likes.
No to toxic conversations or exhausting obligations.
No to saying yes just to keep the peace.
Say no with love, but say it clearly and firmly, for your own well-being.
B is for BOUNDARIES.
No is a word. Boundaries are a practice.
Decide ahead of time what you will and won’t accept:
Want a politics-free holiday? Set that expectation now.
Don’t want guests showing up an hour early? Say so.
Need quiet time, rest time, or just space to breathe? Block it out.
You don’t need permission to protect your energy.
C is for COMPLIMENTS.
The holidays are full of tension.
One of the easiest ways to build connection is to offer genuine acknowledgment.
Not fluffy flattery. Not surface-level “I like your sweater” talk.
This year, shift from “I” to “you”:
“You have great taste.”
“You really brought this table to life.”
“You’re such a steady presence.”
We all want to be seen.
If you can offer that to someone – to really see them – it’s a gift that costs nothing and means everything.
Here’s the bottom line —
You are a whole person, not just a professional or business owner with goals to hit and bills to pay.
You deserve to enjoy this season, not just survive it.
Say no when it matters.
Set boundaries that protect what you value.
Give compliments that connect.
You’ve got the skills. You know this stuff.
Now’s the time to put it into practice.
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