Staying Calm in Holiday Chaos: Stress-Relief Tips for You and Your Team

The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but let’s face it, it’s also a bit chaotic. The pressure of end-of-year deadlines, family obligations, social gatherings, and those elusive personal moments of peace can make it feel more like a mad dash than a festive celebration. 

As leaders, we not only navigate this for ourselves but for our teams, too. And here’s the hard truth: if we can’t stay calm, we’re likely setting a precedent for holiday stress rather than holiday cheer.

What if we flipped the script? What if the holidays didn’t have to be a frenzy of to-do lists but rather a time to breathe, connect, and grow? 

Keep reading to learn how to stay calm in the chaos and help your team do the same.

1. Flexibility: The Gift Your Team Actually Wants

As the holiday season approaches, flexibility is your greatest ally. People may need to duck out for holiday errands or head off early to get to family gatherings. A little flexibility can go a long way in keeping morale high and burnout low.

For leaders who might find this idea unsettling, start small. I remember a former colleague who worked best at 1 a.m. My anxiety would spike when I didn't see the tasks finished before my bedtime, but by 8:30 a.m., everything I needed was there. I learned to trust in her ability to deliver—even if her hours looked a bit unconventional.

You don’t have to overhaul schedules completely. Set clear expectations about deliverables, then let your team work within a framework that allows them some freedom. A trial run is a great way to test this out. People are often motivated to make flexible arrangements work because they value the trust placed in them. And if it doesn’t work? You can always re-adjust.

2. Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace, One “No” at a Time

The holiday season often pulls us in every direction: work events, family gatherings, shopping trips, and the list goes on. Without boundaries, it’s easy to lose sight of what the season should feel like: peaceful and connected.

I used to spend ten days every year with my family over the holidays, but eventually, I realized that wasn’t sustainable for me. I love my family, but now I only go for three days. This way, I still experience our traditions, but I also have time to unwind on my own or do something restorative, like skiing. 

Setting boundaries can be uncomfortable, especially with close family, but it’s essential for preserving your energy.

When it comes to setting boundaries with your team, be upfront about your expectations and encourage them to find their own balance, too. Remind them that it’s okay to say no, ask for help, or need more flexibility. Sometimes, “no” is the most powerful way to protect their well-being and make the holidays enjoyable.

3. Self-Care: Recharge So You Can Show Up Fully

The holidays can come with high energy and even higher demands. For introverts especially, the countless gatherings, work events, and end-of-year pressures can be draining. 

My goal for the holidays? To rest, relax, and reset. December is typically a quieter month for speaking engagements, so I intentionally set aside time for “productive rest.”

For me, that means taking a solo walk, reading (I’m currently reading The Trust Edge by David Horsager, among other books), and just enjoying the quiet. Self-care isn’t about shutting everyone out; it’s about ensuring that when I show up, I’m fully present.

Encourage your team to practice self-care as well. If a team member is feeling overwhelmed, give them permission to step back or time to just take a walk. Simple acts of self-care—whether it’s a quiet lunch break or a half-day off—can make all the difference.

4. The Power of Planning: Set a Holiday Schedule That Works for You

When it comes to handling end-of-year work demands, master planning can be a game-changer. So many times, we get caught up in the idea that everything must be wrapped up by December 31st. But pause for a second and ask, “does it really?”

One of the best decisions I made last year was to wrap up a major engineering project by December 15th. Once the heavy lifting was done, I had the freedom to focus on smaller, fun projects and administrative tasks that made me feel caught up and ready for the new year. This “holiday buffer” allowed me to enjoy the last part of the month without the usual stress. This year, I’m leaning into this practice and wrapping everything up by November 15th. 

As leaders, we can use this approach with our teams by encouraging them to prioritize and front-load essential work. Consider pushing non-urgent tasks into January. This kind of intentional planning allows for a more balanced holiday season, and believe me, your team will thank you.

5. Staying Grounded: Find Calm Amid Chaos

When things get hectic, I draw from my time in the military, where staying calm under pressure was the only way to succeed. During the holidays, this approach has been a lifesaver. Start with a deep breath to bring yourself into the moment. Then engage your brain: what are the priorities? What can wait?

Set boundaries within the chaos. I think of it as finding “left and right lateral limits” (more on that here). Defining your limits lets you stay focused on what’s essential without getting overwhelmed. This approach grounds me, and I encourage my team to practice it, too.

This season, as a leader, take a moment to stop and ask yourself: are you actually enjoying your time? If not, you might need to re-center, reassess, and focus on what truly matters.

Gearing Up for the New Year

As we approach the end of the year, remember that rest is productive. Let the holiday season be a time to refuel, reconnect, and reflect. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to set the tone. Inspire your team to slow down, not only to handle the holiday chaos but to come back in January feeling refreshed and ready to make a difference.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited for new challenges, growth, and helping more people discover that leadership doesn’t always mean pushing harder. 

Sometimes, the most impactful move is knowing when to ease up and let the season unfold. 

So here’s to a calm, fulfilling holiday season for you and your team—and a powerful start to the new year!

If you’re ready to start booking your 2025 speaking engagements, reach out to me!