Finding Your Holiday Happy With Lacey Steffes

What if the holidays didn't have to be something you just survive? In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Lacey Steffes, owner of Spa Serenity in downtown Baraboo, to talk about creating a holiday season that actually brings you joy.They dive into the real struggles of the season - from old family dynamics and unhealthy coping mechanisms to the pressure of meeting everyone's expectations. But more importantly, they share practical strategies for setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and finding those micro-moments of joy that make the holidays feel good again.Whether you're navigating family gatherings sober for the first time, trying to break cycles from your family of origin, or simply want to show up as your authentic self this season, this conversation offers permission to do things differently. From changing the day of Thanksgiving to taking a bath instead of staying late at a party, Stephanie and Lacey remind us that creating holidays on your own terms isn't selfish - it's necessary.Plus, they share why downtown Baraboo is the perfect place to find human connection and a little retail therapy during the holiday season.Key Takeaways:How to set boundaries with family without burning bridgesThe importance of pre-planning and clear communicationWhy finding your "third place" matters for mental healthPractical coping mechanisms that don't involve alcoholGiving yourself grace when you slip into old patternsSupport the showhttps://www.stephshanks.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unwrittenwithstephhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephshanks/https://www.youtube.com/@stephshankshttps://www.tiktok.com/@stephshanks?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://www.facebook.com/stephshanksphotography