Feeling Uprooted

Feeling uprooted with the holidays approaching? Here are some simple tips to help you stay grounded and enjoy the season with more ease.

Plan Ahead: Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Take a look at your calendar now and map out time for shopping, cleaning, cooking, and traveling. Make sure you give yourself enough space to do things at a comfortable pace. If any tasks feel overwhelming, delegate them! You can hire a cleaning service, prep meals in advance, or ask family members for help. The holidays are busy enough—don’t cram everything in and miss the chance to enjoy them.

Set Boundaries: It’s easy to want to help, but if a last-minute request comes your way that’s beyond what you can handle, remember that “no” is a complete sentence. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. If you’re stretched too thin, it’s okay to say no. Don’t let others’ lack of planning throw you off track or add extra stress to your plate.

Handle Family Dynamics with Care: Family gatherings can be intense, and sometimes, no one knows how to push your buttons quite like family. Try to stay neutral, don’t take things personally, and remember—no one can offend you unless you let them. If drama arises, step away and set a positive example for others by keeping your cool.

Make Time for Yourself: Take a few moments each day to meditate, take a walk, or write down what you’re grateful for. Be mindful of your inner dialogue and how you’re perceiving others and the world around you. Our attitude is always within our control. You can choose to focus on the chaos, or you can nurture the beauty and peace that’s available in each moment.

Practice Kindness: This goes for others, of course, but it’s especially important to be kind to yourself. Do what you can, appreciate what you have, and let go of any pressure about how the holidays should be. People might not remember every little detail, but they’ll remember the way you made them feel. Focus on making memories, not just checking off tasks.

Allow Yourself to Enjoy the Holidays: When things aren’t perfect, find the humor in it. When stress rises, take a deep breath. Remember that holidays are precious, and we only have so many left. For some of us, this may be the last holiday we’ll share with loved ones, or the last time we’ll all be together. So put on your “love goggles,” open your heart, and savor the moments you have.

Lastly, ask yourself: Who do I want to be this holiday season? This simple question can shift your entire perspective and help you show up in a way that brings more joy and less stress to you and those around you.