Hey friend, Hi!
Can we have an honest conversation about the holiday season?
You know, that time of year when your usually manageable perfectionism goes into overdrive, and suddenly you’re trying to be Martha Stewart, Mrs. Claus, and Wonder Woman all at once?
(I see you over there, already making lists of lists…you’re not really hiding)
Let’s try on a new perception: What if the most perfect holiday season isn’t about being perfect at all?
Think about it:
- What if the kids remember the laughter over the burnt cookies more than the picture-perfect ones?
- What if your team appreciates your presence more than your presents?
- What if the “good enough” gathering brings more joy than the Instagram-worthy one?
The Real Cost of Holiday Perfectionism
Some of you may not call it perfectionism; you actually are saying, I just like things the way I like them. Sound familiar?
Yeah, I’m talking to YOU too!
You know what’s crazy? We spend so much time trying to create “perfect” holiday moments (the ones that are Instagram-worthy) that we miss the real ones happening right in front of us.
- The belly laughs when the turkey is slightly overdone, or the pecan pie hits the floor.
- The joy in your teenager’s eyes when they hang their kindergarten ornament.
- The way your blended family creates their own beautiful traditions.
These unscripted, unfiltered, completely imperfect moments? They’re the ones that make the season magical.
But here’s the thing – you can’t plan magic. You can only create space for it to happen.
Your Holiday Freedom Framework
Set Your Joy Priorities
- List your non-negotiable joy moments
- Identify what you can simplify or skip
- Decide what “good enough” looks like (do it before the pressure hits)
Create Your Delegation Strategy At Work:
- What year-end tasks can your team handle?
- Which meetings can wait until January?
- What systems need to be in place before the holiday rush?
At Home:
- Which family members can own specific traditions?
- What can you outsource? (Cleaning, shopping, wrapping)
- Where can you embrace “good enough”?
Design Your Peace Plan
- Block “quiet mornings” in your calendar NOW
- Schedule specific work wrap-up times
- Create boundaries around your holiday joy time
The Permission You’ve Been Waiting For
You officially have permission to:
- Order the pre-made sides for Thanksgiving (I’ve done this the last few years, it’s a game-changer)
- Send digital holiday cards (or none at all!)
- Leave some decorations in their boxes
- Say no to every holiday party (trust me, it’s OK to say no)
- Let others contribute their way
- Choose joy over perfection
Your Stress-Less Success Strategy
Before saying yes to any holiday task, ask:
“Will this add joy or just perfect-looking stress?”
If it’s stress, consider:
- Does it really matter?
- Who could help?
- Could it be simpler?
- Does it need to be done at all?
Your Challenge This Holiday Season
- Pick ONE holiday tradition or task that usually stresses you out.
- Then try one of these:
- Simplify it
- Share it
- Or lovingly let it go
3. Then, use that energy for something that truly brings you joy.
Remember: The most meaningful memories often come from our imperfect moments.
XOXO
Tonya
P.S. What’s one holiday tradition you’re ready to simplify this year?
Get Coached By Me! Ready to make this your most joyful (and least stressful) holiday season yet?
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Here are 3 ways we can create your holiday peace plan together:
🍗 Ready to ditch the holiday perfectionism? Let’s craft your stress-less success strategy! → Shoot me an email: hello@tonyakay.co
💫 Feeling the pressure already? Let’s create your holiday freedom framework! → Book a free Holiday Peace Planning call
✨ Want to lead with grace through the season? Let’s design your perfect-for-you holiday approach! → Book a “Joy Over Perfection” strategy session
Remember, you’ve got this. And I’m here to help you find the joy in the beautiful mess! 🌟
