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by Max Bennett
The holiday season: a magical whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive treats, and the undeniable pressure to make everything perfect. Sound familiar? If just thinking about your to-do list makes you want to dive headfirst into a tub of eggnog, you’re not alone.
Good news—it doesn’t have to be that way. One year, I found myself frantically baking cookies at midnight for a holiday party the next day, only to realize no one actually cared about homemade versus store-bought. That’s when I learned the power of “good enough.” With a sprinkle of planning, a dash of humor, and a healthy serving of “good enough,” you can breeze through the holidays with your sanity (and holiday spirit) intact. Here’s how to tackle the most wonderful—and chaotic—time of the year without breaking a sweat.
Here’s the truth: Pinterest-perfect holidays are overrated. Focus on what matters most to you and your family. Start by asking:
The magic of the holidays isn’t in perfection, it’s in connection.
Max Bennett
For example, instead of hosting a five-course dinner, consider a cozy potluck. Trust me, Aunt Sue’s casserole tastes better when you’re not stressing over table settings. Alternatively, try a “build-your-own” meal bar—like a taco station or baked potato bar—that lets guests customize their plates with minimal prep from you. You could also consider a brunch gathering with easy-to-assemble dishes like quiches or fruit parfaits. Want to go even simpler? Order in or host a dessert-only gathering—because who doesn’t love pie?
Your holiday mantra: Done is better than perfect. Less is sometimes more.
Let’s talk lists. Make one for everything: gifts, groceries, and activities. Then, rank them by importance. For example, prioritize shopping for gifts that need shipping over stocking stuffers you can grab anytime. Break it down into “must-do,” “nice-to-have,” and “can-skip” tasks to streamline your efforts. Procrastinators, take note: this simple act can prevent last-minute panics. (No one wants to be the person frantically wrapping socks at 11 PM on Christmas Eve.)
There’s no rule that says you have to do it all. Spread the holiday cheer—and the workload.
Gifting doesn’t need to feel like an Olympic sport. Try these hacks:
Set a budget before you shop—your January self will thank you. Track spending to stay within limits.
Burnout is the Grinch that steals holiday joy. Schedule time for activities that recharge you: read a chapter from your favorite book, take a brisk winter walk to soak in some fresh air, or enjoy a quick 10-minute meditation. Even indulging in a short music session with your favorite playlist can help you reset.
Even 15 minutes of “you” time can make a world of difference.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Block it on your calendar.
The truth is, something will go wrong. Maybe the turkey burns, the dog topples the Christmas tree, or you forget to buy batteries for the new toys. Laugh it off—these are the moments that become cherished family stories.
Holiday magic isn’t about perfect moments—it’s about meaningful ones filled with laughter and love.
Holidays can feel like a high-stakes performance, but they don’t have to. By simplifying, delegating, and laughing through the chaos, you’ll transform holiday stress into holiday cheer. Let this be the year you enjoy the season your way. After all, memories matter more than matching ribbons or spotless cookie trays.
What’s your go-to stress-free holiday hack? Share it with me over on Instagram. I’d love to hear how you make the season merry and bright!
Max Bennett
Max was once the king of procrastination, proudly sporting a "Deadline Enthusiast" badge. After realizing he spent more time organizing his desk than actually working, he dove headfirst into the world of productivity. Max now experiments with unconventional (and sometimes ridiculous) productivity hacks and shares what works—with plenty of laughs along the way.
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