Finding Calm in the Chaos of the Festive Season

Let’s be honest—this time of year can feel like a lot. The festive season is supposed to be about peace, joy, and connection, yet for many of us, it ends up feeling like an overwhelming swirl of expectations, deadlines, and to-do lists.

If you’re already feeling the strain, you’re not alone. Between financial pressures, packed calendars, and the emotional weight that can come with this season, it’s no wonder so many of us struggle. And here’s the thing: it’s okay to admit that the holidays aren’t always magical. Sometimes, they’re just hard.

So why does this season hit us so hard?

Why the Holidays Can Feel Heavy

First, there’s the expectation to make everything perfect. Perfect gifts, perfect meals, perfect decorations—and if you’ve ever hosted a holiday meal, you know how much goes on behind the scenes!

Then, there’s the emotional side. For some, the holidays bring up grief for those we’ve lost or highlight family tensions that never seem to take a break. Even happy memories can stir up unexpected feelings of nostalgia or longing.

And let’s not forget the time crunch. Between end-of-year work demands, school holidays, and endless festive commitments, there’s barely room to breathe.

But what if we could approach this season differently? What if we focused less on doing and more on being?

Easing the Strain: Small Steps, Big Difference

You don’t have to cancel Christmas (although I’ve heard that’s tempting some years!). With a few small changes, you can bring a little calm back into the chaos.

• Start with intention.
  Ask yourself: how do I want to feel this holiday season? Peaceful? Connected? Energized? Write it down and keep it somewhere you can see it. Let that word guide your decisions.

• Simplify where you can.
  Not everything has to be handmade or Instagram-worthy. Suggest a Secret Santa to cut down on gift-giving stress, or swap a shopping trip for a picnic with friends or family. Sometimes, less really is more.

• Create a little breathing room.
  Take 10 minutes each day just for yourself. Breathe, stretch, sip a cup of tea in silence—whatever helps you pause and reset. You’ll be amazed at how grounding those moments can be.

• Be kind to yourself.
  If this season feels triggering or emotional, allow yourself to feel it. Journaling, talking with a friend, or even just acknowledging those feelings can help you move through them with more ease.

• Focus on meaningful giving.
  Small, thoughtful acts—writing a kind note, calling someone you care about, or even just smiling at a stranger—can bring so much joy, to you and to others.

A Gift for You: The Christmas Calm Countdown

This year, I’ve created something to help you reconnect with the true meaning of the season: peace, joy, and love.

The Christmas Calm Countdown Guided Journal is a free resource filled with daily prompts, inspiring quotes from remarkable women, and even some simple coloring pages to help you slow down and focus on what really matters.

Each day is designed to remind you of the little things that bring joy—whether it’s setting an intention, practicing gratitude, or sharing a kind word. And if you’ve never tried coloring as a way to unwind, give it a go. There’s something incredibly soothing about letting creativity flow, even if it’s just for five minutes.

Let’s Make This Season About What Matters

It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle, but the heart of this season isn’t in the gifts or the decorations. It’s in the moments—those little, imperfect moments where we pause, connect, and remember what we’re grateful for.

So, if you’re ready to make this a season of calm and connection, download the Christmas Calm Countdown Guided Journal today. Share it with your friends, your family, or anyone who could use a little extra peace right now.

Let’s make this season one to remember—not for how busy it was, but for how beautifully simple it could be.

Wishing you calm and joy, Kate