How We Found Our Calm (& You Can Too!): Stress-Free Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season

The holidays are right around the corner—a season full of joy, connection, and yes, often a fair bit of stress. If the thought of balancing it all has your anxiety levels creeping up, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Stress and anxiety are natural responses to a busy season, but there are steps you can take to bring a sense of calm and control back to your days.

I still remember our first Christmas with Sofia in tow. She was just a baby, and we found ourselves celebrating in a relative’s chilly basement with her pack ‘n play in the corner. But you know what? She slept beautifully. We’d packed all her sleep essentials—white noise, her sleep sack, and even her favourite bedtime book—and it made a world of difference, so that we could enjoy the festivities upstairs! That little planning meant we could relax and enjoy the holiday, knowing she was well-rested.

As our family grew, we made another big shift: moving holiday events to breakfast or lunch instead of dinner. It was a game-changer! The earlier timing worked better for everyone’s sleep schedules (ours included), and it gave us a chance to enjoy quality time without worrying about overtired kiddos or bedtime battles.

So, if you’re wondering how to make this holiday season feel a little less overwhelming, here are some practical, research-backed tips to help you (and your little ones!) reduce stress and anxiety during this busy time of year.

Prioritize Rest: The Foundation of Calm

Getting enough sleep is one of the most effective ways to lower stress and anxiety. Sleep regulates cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and helps your brain process and cope with emotions. Whether you’re managing work deadlines, holiday shopping, or a little one who still wakes at night, prioritizing rest can make all the difference.

For parents:

• Consistency is key – Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on busy days. (Of course, this is much easier when your children are sleeping well, too!).
• Create a wind-down routine – Reading, dim lighting, or even a calming tea can help signal bedtime.

For babies and toddlers:

• Stick to routines as much as possible – Even during travel or holiday events, keeping nap and bedtime schedules consistent reduces overtiredness (and those holiday meltdowns!).
• Plan for disruptions – Pack a portable noise machine or your child’s sleep essentials (like we did with Sofia!) to recreate a calming sleep environment when away from home.

Move Your Body

(Yes, Even When You’re Exhausted)

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym. Even a 10-minute walk can release feel-good endorphins that combat anxiety and help you think more clearly. Movement benefits kids too! A quick dance party or outdoor playtime can burn off extra energy and help everyone sleep better.

Pro tip: Try “stacking” movement with family bonding—holiday light strolls, impromptu snowball fights, or yoga in the living room count as stress-busting wins.

Practice the “3-Minute Breather”

This simple mindfulness exercise is a powerful way to bring yourself back to centre when holiday chaos strikes:

1. Pause and breathe: Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
2. Observe: Notice what you’re feeling—physically, emotionally, mentally—without judgment.
3. Respond: Choose one small thing you can do to feel more grounded (sip water, stretch, list three things you’re grateful for).

Say “No” to Overcommitment

It’s tempting to say “yes” to every invite and tradition, but overloading your schedule is a fast track to burnout. It’s okay to set boundaries. Politely decline events or delegate tasks when you need to, knowing it’s an act of self-care for you and your family.

Lean on Your Sleep Coach (That’s Me!)

If holiday stress is messing with your sleep or your child’s rest is off-track, now is a great time to reset. Lack of sleep can amplify anxiety, making everything feel harder than it needs to be. Let’s work together to make sure you’re getting the restorative sleep you need—yes, even during the holidays!

This Season, Be Kind to Yourself

The holidays should feel magical, not overwhelming. By focusing on rest, setting boundaries, and leaning into these simple strategies, you can keep stress and anxiety from taking over. Remember, small changes add up, and every step you take toward more calm is worth celebrating.