Stress-Free Holidays: Oxymoron? or Doable?

This post is part of my Holiday SOS series where we learn how to better navigate tricky relationships, especially over the holidays, so we can better understand ourselves and others. This week, I’m sharing my interview with Alexa Juanita Jordan, a fellow Substack writer and life coach, about ways to navigate holiday stress and cultivate a meaningful life. Our discussion delves into the pressures and expectations we experience during the holiday season and how intentional living, self-worth, and setting boundaries are crucial during this time more than ever. Alexa shares her insights on how to align one's inner world with external actions and pressures and the importance of feeling worthy of making choices that prioritize personal well-being over others' expectations. Alexa has launched a 'Holiday Survival Kit,' a resource designed to help you enjoy a more fulfilling holiday experience. I encourage you to check it out!Navigating the Holidays with Intention and AuthenticityThe holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, for a lot of us, it also brings a significant amount of stress. As we head into the thick of things, it's important to reflect on how we can fill the season with intention and expand our inner worlds instead of simply adding more to our calendars. Breaking Traditions with IntentionTradition equals connection. Alexa and I explored the topic of holiday stress and traditions. What is it about the holidays that creates such pressure? Often, it's about expectations—both those we set for ourselves and those imposed by others. Traditions can be beautiful, but not when they feel oppressive. Alexa emphasized the importance of asking ourselves what we truly want from this season. Are we attending parties or travelling out of obligation or because it genuinely brings us joy? And more importantly, do we feel worthy of choosing our own path? The answer should always be yes.Change and WorthinessThe idea of worthiness came up a lot in our conversation. Alexa shared how much of her life was spent prioritizing others' happiness over her own, a sentiment that many can relate to. Yet, as she eloquently put it, "There is no one unworthy of what they want."This worthiness ties into our ability to make choices that might disappoint others but are ultimately healthy for us. Alexa suggests getting curious about our inner world to expand it and, in turn, create the holiday season and life we truly want.Communication is KeyIf you're considering breaking tradition this year, then honest and loving communication is crucial. How do you express your desire to do things differently without damaging relationships? Alexa advises looking at the quality of your relationships. Some conversations may be open-hearted and receptive, while others may require setting firm boundaries. Ultimately, it's about acknowledging others' feelings while staying true to your needs.Navigating Others' ExpectationsA recurring theme throughout our discussion was the balance of managing expectations—our own and others'. It's natural for people to feel insecure or fear losing connection when traditions change. Remember, just because someone is upset doesn't mean you're wrong or bad.Finding this balance is vital during the holidays and every aspect of our lives, no matter what time of year. Setting boundaries is not about shutting people out; it's about maintaining healthy relationships where everyone feels respected and valued.Towards a More Meaningful HolidayAre you ready to choose a holiday season that reflects your authentic self? Whether starting new traditions, setting boundaries, or communicating openly, the goal is to enjoy your time more and stress less. Alexa's Holiday Survival Kit, available through her website and her Substack, offers resources to help navigate this journey. It’s a support system designed for those who want to get the most out of their holiday season. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.LYLAS -S Get full access to How To Blow Up Your Life at sarastansberry.substack.com/subscribe