THE CLIMB

The holidays have a way of amplifying everything—joy feels brighter, but so does stress, grief, and uncertainty. If you’re navigating a major life shift—like a divorce (or the dreaded one-last-Christmas-as-a-family, not-quite-divorced-yet limbo), job change, or just a tough season—it can feel like everyone else is starring in a Hallmark movie while you’re stuck in survival mode.

Here’s the truth: The holidays don’t have to be perfect. They don’t even have to be good to have meaning. Sometimes, getting through the season with your sanity and heart intact is the real win.

If that’s where you’re at right now, this guide is for you. It’s not about thriving—it’s about surviving. Let’s get into it.

1. Lower the Bar: Permission to Not Be Pinterest-Worthy

First things first: Forget the picture-perfect holiday fantasy. You don’t need matching pajamas, a packed calendar, or a house that smells like cinnamon and achievement.

This year, focus on what feels manageable. Maybe it’s just lighting a candle and listening to your favorite song. Maybe it’s skipping the tree entirely. Maybe it’s eating takeout on Christmas Eve instead of cooking a feast.

Repeat after me: Simple is enough. The season doesn’t have to look magical for it to hold meaning.

Pro Tip:

Ask yourself, “What one thing would make the holidays feel a little better for me?” Focus on that and let the rest flippin’ go.

2. Boundaries Are Your Holiday Glow-Up

Let’s talk about boundaries—the ultimate form of self-care. The holidays are full of people and situations that can drain your energy if you’re not careful (looking at you, Aunt Carol’s 3-hour gossip sesh).

It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to leave early. It’s okay to protect your peace.

How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt:

• “I appreciate the invite, but I’m keeping things low-key this year.”
• “I’ll stop by for a little while, but I may not stay the whole time.”
• “That’s not something I’m comfortable talking about right now.”

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about preserving your energy for what matters in your space.

3. Romanticize the Little Things

When life feels overwhelming, big joys can feel out of reach. That’s why the little things matter so much.

Here’s your permission to romanticize the small moments:

• Light your favorite candle and pretend it’s a scene from a cozy indie movie.
• Sip hot cocoa like it’s a luxury experience.
• Take a walk, listen to your go-to playlist, and imagine you’re the main character in that holiday movie with the perfect musical score matching the beat of your steps.

These tiny joys may not fix everything, but they can remind you that there’s beauty in the simplest parts of life.

4. Let Your Feelings Sit at the Table, Too

Here’s the thing about the holidays: They have a way of bringing up all the emotions. Grief, stress, joy, nostalgia—it’s all fair game.

You don’t have to push those feelings aside. Pretending everything is fine when it’s not will only make things harder.

Try This Instead:

• Name what you’re feeling. (“I feel sad about the way things have changed.”)
• Honor it. (“It’s okay to feel this way. This is part of the process.”)
• Let it move through you. Journaling, crying, or even taking a few deep breaths while you pretend to wrap Christmas gifts behind locked doors can help.

You’re allowed to feel everything. The tough stuff doesn’t cancel out the good—and vice versa.

Pro Tip:

Naming a feeling isn’t always easy. That’s where the Feelings Wheel comes in clutch. This simple but powerful tool helps you zero in on what you’re really feeling, so you can better understand and process it.

Want your own copy of The Pursuit Feelings Wheel? Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll send it straight to your inbox—it’s our way of helping you stay connected to your emotions.

5. The Real Gift? Support.

Listen, you don’t have to do this alone. The holidays can feel isolating, but there are people and resources out there who want to help.

Here’s How to Find Your Squad:

• Text a friend you trust and let them know what you’re going through.
• Join a support group (IRL or virtual) where people truly get it.
• Talk to a therapist. There’s no shame in asking for help—it’s one of the strongest things you can do.

Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is the reminder that you’re not in this alone.

Bonus Section: Your Holiday Survival Checklist

• Take the pressure off. (Simple is enough.)
• Set one boundary. (Protect your peace.)
• Find one small joy. (Romanticize the little things.)
• Let yourself feel. (All emotions are valid.)
• Ask for help. (You’re not alone.)

Final Thoughts: One Day, One Breath, One Mile at a Time

This season might look different. It might feel heavier than you’d hoped. But here’s what we know: You’ve made it through hard days before, and you can do it again.

Take it one day at a time—or one moment if that’s all you can handle. You’re allowed to grieve what’s changed. You’re allowed to let go of the “perfect holiday” fantasy. And you’re allowed to create a season that feels right for where you’re at right now.

Survival mode still counts as progress, my friend. You’re doing better than you think.

Save this blog for when you need it—and share it with someone who might need it, too. Or if you want to talk more, Book an Appointment with us.