How to Survive, I Mean Enjoy the Holiday Season

Every year, just before Thanksgiving, society hits the gas pedal. Your calendar has zero white space, your to-do list looks like it's on steroids, and you're RSVP'd to things you don't remember saying yes to. You convince yourself, it's fine. Everything's fine. Meanwhile you have the constant feeling that time is running out to get it all done.

Let’s be honest: the holidays are less “Silent Night” and more “Home Alone? Again?”

C.S. Lewis once said, “I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait.” My translation: If God puts you in a holding pattern, it’s probably because you needed it.

Waiting can feel like one of life’s cruel jokes, but it’s a chance to catch your breath, put your feet up, and look around you. Our bodies weren’t built for constant notifications, urgent email chains, and responding to every request.

Hint: the solution you are looking for isn't a new planner, new app, or a new color-coded calendar you know won't make it past December 10th.

It's patience. The kind that hits the slo-mo button on the world’s chaos, so you can choose the direction of your energy.

1.      Embrace imperfection, it’s where good stories live.

Most memories do not begin with "Everything went perfectly." If you're telling a great story, it usually starts with "Remember when..." and ends with someone a little embarrassed.

2.     There's a 95% chance whatever hit your inbox is not urgent.

Don't lose your Christmas spirit over the email titled, "Circling back before PTO," because odds are they're already in their ugly sweater sipping cocoa.

3.      If you wait to relax until your to-do list is done, you'll miss the entire holiday season.

Your holiday joy doesn’t come when you hit the bottom of your task list. By then the season is shifting into "new year, new me”. The joy is in the quiet mornings, Christmas lights (give me all the Christmas lights), and the dramatic family debates over game rules. Don't let these moments get lost in the stress of your to-do list. Slow down, look around, and let yourself soak it in.

4.      Waiting is basically a grown-up time-out.

Traffic, check-out lines, and delayed flights will rarely land at the top of anyone's "can't wait" list but these pauses are forced time-outs. Instead of repeating your need to-dos again, try people-watching, daydreaming (maybe not in traffic), or singing your favorite Christmas songs. You’re going to get where you’re going. There is zero benefit in arriving stressed and pissed off.

5.      All you need is the desire to slow your roll.

The secret: Patience doesn’t require a “new year, new me” or app to track how well you are doing. All you need is the desire to slow your roll and decide how you intend to show up. Shift from survival mode to actually enjoying the holiday chaos, awkward family photos and all.

This holiday season, let patience be the gift that grounds you. The hustle will continue, and your calendar won’t magically clear, but you will open your eyes to how beautiful the season can be.