Put some Jingle in your Holiday Hustle
Dec 4, 2024
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This year, Thanksgiving came late, and now December’s holidays are fast upon us, adding to the frenzy that often follows. The season’s rush can feel overwhelming, with no time to breathe between planning, shopping, and juggling work and family obligations. On top of that, societal expectations of holiday cheer, Hallmark family perfection, and romance can pile on even more pressure.
No matter what stage of life, the holidays come with unique challenges. Single professionals might face endless party invitations or pressure to travel. Parents of young kids juggle wish lists, school events, and decorating on top of everyday chaos. For those in the Sandwich Generation, balancing the needs of aging parents and growing kids can feel like an impossible act.
But here’s the thing: the holidays don’t have to be about keeping up with unrealistic ideals. You can create a season that feels more like you, more grounded, and more meaningful.
Here’s how to stay focused, present, and joyful amid the holiday hustle—on your terms.
Staying Effective at Work
With holiday music playing in every corner and your to-do list looming, staying focused at work can feel impossible. Yet the end of the year is often when big projects need to wrap up, and it’s vital to keep your professional momentum going.
Here are some strategies:
Prioritize ruthlessly. Choose the top three tasks you need to accomplish each day and tackle them before diving into anything else.
Set boundaries. Block time for focused work and let colleagues know when you’re not available for interruptions.
Give yourself grace. Remember, productivity might look different during the holidays, and that’s okay. Focus on progress, not perfection.
And don’t forget to carve out small, meaningful rituals at work—like decorating your desk or treating your team to coffee. These moments can make the season feel special without adding to the chaos.
View Family through a Lens of Acceptance and Connection
Holiday gatherings can bring out the best—and the most challenging—parts of our relationships. Every family has its quirks, conflicts, and unmet expectations. Instead of striving for perfection, try leaning into acceptance and shared humanity.
Here are ways to connect with your family, no matter your life stage:
Single Professionals: If you’re feeling the pressure to be invited or uninvited to every holiday gathering, create new traditions that work for you. Send a thoughtful holiday card, make a quick FaceTime call, or host a low-key “Friendsmas” dinner.
Recommended movie: LoveHard for unexpected laughs and an awkward plug for the sports of indoor climbing and outdoor luge.
Parents of Young Kids: Manage expectations by simplifying. Skip the marathon of events and focus on one or two key traditions. Let the kids join in making messy crushed candy cane cookies, hanging ornaments, or wrapping presents—small, meaningful activities they’ll remember.
Recommended movie: Elf: not one to suffer through, it’s guaranteed giggles for both you and your kids.
The Sandwich Generation: Balance is everything. Coordinate schedules with siblings or other family members to share caregiving responsibilities. If they don’t offer, ASK (but be willing to accept the answer). Make time for simple, low-stress moments with parents and kids, like storytelling or karaoke. Ask older generations to share a holiday tradition or memory.
Recommended movie: It’s a Wonderful Life for its timeless reminder of family and purpose, and an odd look at how much Jimmy Stewart yells at everyone but is still beloved by America.
Whatever your situation, try finding the small moments of connection that fit your reality, even if it’s just sharing a laugh, swapping texts, or starting a lighthearted group chat.
Create Your Own Gift-giving Traditions
The holidays don’t have to follow a script. Traditions are what you make them, and creating your own can bring a deep sense of meaning.
Here are some ideas for traditions that reflect your values:
Personalized Giving:
Start a Secret Santa exchange with your blended family using an online app to keep things easy.
Skip big presents and focus on stockings, with each person choosing a charity to donate to.
Host an “Awesome Oversized Unisex Sweater” White Elephant party.
Embrace themed gift-giving, like books for everyone or homemade treats.
Make it experiential by gifting time—whether it’s a day trip, a hike, or tickets to a favorite show or game.
The beauty of new traditions is that they allow you to shape the holidays into something that feels right for you and your loved ones.
Rethinking Holiday Greetings
Tired of the same old “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”? Here are some fresh, fun, and genuine ways to share the spirit of the season, or make a game of inventing your own:
“May your days be merry and your Wi-Fi strong!”
“Happy Holidays! May your pie crusts stay flaky and your sweaters stay ugly.”
“Wishing you a season full of laughter, love, and just enough cookies to call it balanced.”
“Here’s to cozy nights, warm lights, and avoiding all the gross eggnog flavors.”
“Happy Whatever-You’re-Celebrating! Hope it’s wonderful, weird, and perfectly you.”
The Gift of Presence
The best gift you can give yourself and others this season is the gift of being fully present. That means putting down your phone during dinner, listening deeply to a friend’s story, or simply savoring the taste of your morning coffee.
Presence isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity. And when you’re fully present, you create a ripple effect of calm and connection that touches everyone around you.
How Star Power Coaching Can Help
Feeling overwhelmed or stuck this holiday season? At Star Power Coaching, we believe you have the power to create a life filled with joy, balance, and purpose—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
Through personalized coaching, we help you clarify your values, set meaningful goals, and take bold steps toward the life you want. Whether you’re striving to be more present with loved ones, navigating career challenges, seeking to transform your life in some way, or just fine-tune in specific areas, Star Power Coaching is here to guide you every step of the way.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of clarity and transformation. Let’s work together to create the life you’ve been dreaming of.
