Though most of us look forward to this time of year, it often comes with mixed feelings. Beyond the Stress of shopping, gifting, and indulging in food and drink, there’s another layer: family dynamics. Even when we deeply love our families, reunions can bring triggers, revert us to old roles, and stir up childhood feelings. For those living far from family, the high expectations packed into limited time can lead to frustration and disappointment.

The good news is, as we’ve grown older and wiser, we’ve picked up tips and tricks to navigate this season. We now recognize that we have choices—choices about how we react and what meaning we assign to external situations.

Here are five tips I’ve gathered over the years:

1. Make Time for Yourself Every Day

Even if it’s just five minutes, take time to tune in to how you’re feeling and reset if necessary. Start the day with intention. Fill your cup and establish boundaries. Feel gratitude for the moment and for being you. Ground yourself so that you are less swayed by external influences.

If you don’t have a morning ritual, try sitting quietly with one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Feel the earth beneath your feet; it’s got your back. Remind yourself: You are okay just as you are.

2. Breathe Deeply and Steadily

Your breath is a powerful ally, and it’s always with you. If things get stressful, step back. Take a walk, wash the dishes, or excuse yourself to the bathroom and breathe deeply. This practice helps you reconnect with yourself and feel whole and enough. Let your breath remind you of your inner strength and calm.

3. Focus on What Matters Most Before Reacting

It’s easy to sweat the small stuff or overreact in ways we later regret. Before responding, pause and remind yourself of your purpose. What do the people around you mean to you? You can’t control what others say or how they act, but you can control your response.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s words resonate here: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Rise above. Respond in a way that reflects your true self.

4. Be Love, Be Light (No Judging or Comparing)

Imagine filling yourself with light and embodying love. Think: I am love. I am light. Share generosity and kindness with those around you. This doesn’t mean letting others walk over you; it means staying true to yourself and replacing fear with love. Breathe love in and stress out. Tune into your core essence, and when necessary, agree to disagree with grace.

5. Practice Gratitude

Be grateful for life, for the people around you, for the roof over your head, and the food on your table. Appreciate your own imperfections and those of others. Laugh! Life isn’t about being right, achieving status, or ticking off accomplishments. It’s about contributing to the greater good in a way that’s authentic to you.

We often take things too seriously. Let’s embrace lightness, playfulness, and the joy of meaningful connections this season. Here’s to returning from the holidays recharged and glowing with warmth and love.

Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay

The post 5 Tips to Stay Sane and Serene This Festive Season appeared first on The Kennedy Connection.

Julie Kennedy Projector

Originally British, brought up in France and currently living in the Netherlands after having worked and lived in various countries around the world, I am passionate about helping my clients be heard. I call myself a 'Projector' as I enhance and boost their message, to themselves via coaching and to others via also improvements to their English content via writing, editing and translating (from Dutch and French into English). I host " Fabulous after Fifty" a podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to helping my listeners make the most of these years ahead, changing what needs to be changed and embracing the rest. If not now, when? The world is ours, time to shine, live to our full capacity while making the world a better place, one person at a time.