The holidays often feel like a whirlwind of obligations—decorating, gift-giving, family
gatherings, and caregiving. If you’re the one responsible for making everything happen, it can
feel like you’re running on empty before the season even begins. I know that feeling all too well.
For years, I tried to juggle it all—holiday traditions, family care, work, and caregiving—
believing that everything had to be perfect.

One year, I found myself racing home on lunch breaks to cook meals, only to dive straight into
decorating in the evening. I convinced myself that if I could just keep everything running
smoothly, the holidays would be magical. But instead, I felt completely disconnected. While
everyone around me seemed to be enjoying the season, I was exhausted, emotionally drained,
and struggling to keep my head above water. That was when it hit me: I can’t do everything—
and I shouldn’t have to.
The turning point came when I finally let go of the idea that the holidays had to be perfect. What
I discovered on the other side was that joy isn’t found in flawless plans or perfectly executed
traditions—it’s found in the connections we make and the space we create for ourselves.

Letting Go of Perfection

The first thing I learned was to let go of unrealistic expectations. Traditions are meant to bring
joy, not stress. I didn’t need to recreate every holiday memory exactly as it once was. Instead, I
began focusing on what mattered most—spending meaningful time with loved ones. Some years,
that meant skipping the big tree or ordering takeout instead of cooking a feast. And guess what?
The holidays still came, and the memories we created were just as special, if not more.

Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness

For the longest time, I thought asking for help meant I was failing. But the truth is, we all need
help. When I finally reached out—whether it was asking family to handle holiday prep or friends
to share caregiving responsibilities—I found something unexpected: people wanted to help. They
just didn’t know what I needed. Letting go of that pride allowed me to breathe and actually enjoy
the season.

Managing Emotional Triggers

Holidays can stir up all kinds of emotions—especially when you’re caring for a loved one whose
health is declining or grieving someone you’ve lost. I’ve had seasons where I was stuck in
frustration, feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I kept asking myself, “Why does no one see what
I’m going through?” It was heavy. But I found a way through by shifting my mindset.

Instead of dwelling on what was missing, I started noticing the small joys—the shared laughter
over a simple meal, a quiet moment on the porch with a cup of coffee, or the way a familiar
holiday song could still make me smile. Those little moments became the new traditions I now
hold close.

Protecting Your Energy

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your well-being isn’t optional. Taking care
of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. I began carving out moments just for me, whether it
was a walk to clear my head or enjoying a holiday treat alone without guilt. Those small acts of
self-care became my life

Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

If the holidays feel heavy this year, know that you don’t have to carry it all. Take a moment to
slow down, breathe, and remind yourself: You are not alone. The holidays don’t have to drain
you. They can be a time to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in ways that feel right
for where you are now

And if you need support navigating the season, I’m here. Join my Family Caregivers Real
Talk, Real Support group—a space where we walk this path together, share wins and
challenges, and remind each other that we don’t have to do it all.

Find Balance This Holiday Season

This holiday season, let’s let go of the pressure and embrace what really matters: connection,
presence, and taking care of yourself. Because when you care for yourself first, everything else
falls into place.

If you’re looking for practical tools to reclaim your peace of mind and manage the overwhelm,
download my free Caregiver’s Guide to Navigating Uncertainty and Change. It’s filled with
actionable steps to help you find your balance—even during the busiest times.