Staying Balanced During the Holidays
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Big Plans and Sticky Notes
The holidays are magical – a time for relatives, cherished traditions and parties. But let’s be honest—they’re also a whirlwind of to-do lists, endless events, and distractions that can make it hard to catch your breath. There’s a special kind of chaos that comes with balancing family, festivities, and the never-ending stream of “one more thing” to finish before the year ends.
As a creative, the holidays can feel even trickier. Your projects and passions don’t disappear just because the calendar fills up with extra commitments. AND – If you’re anything like me, there’s that small voice inside that says “You could make that way cuter by adding…” – you know what I mean.
That’s why this year, I’m approaching the season with one word in mind: balance.
And I’m also pushing one word completely off-the-table: perfection.
I’ve learned the hard way that excitement, drive, and even the best-laid plans can’t hold up without a little grace and a solid plan B. Today, I’m sharing how I’m navigating this busy season—along with practical advice for staying grounded and inspired, no matter how full life gets.
A Season of Big Plans (and Sticky Notes)
In my own world, this time of year comes with some major deadlines. Between launching my Black Friday Bundle, working on The Creative Cloth, juggling holiday prep, and attending a much anticipated virtual business event – there have been plenty of “how do I fit this all in?!” moments.
My sticky note system has never been more colorful—or chaotic. I even have a large dry-erase calendar on the wall, where I map out major deadlines and work backward to figure out what needs to happen when.
Spoiler alert: Stuff happens! The lines blur. Plans don’t always go as expected, and yes, some sticky notes have been sacrificed in the name of sanity.
This past weekend, I hit one of those “burnout moments” – a lot still on my list but I ran out of week! The week was highly productive, but I wanted to cap it with a stretch goal: Make a new outfit for a holiday party. I’d been thinking about it, planning it, pulling out the fabric and buttons…
But alas, it was not to be! There simple wasn’t enough week left once I knocked out the important business stuff, income generating stuff, the once-a-year helpful growth stuff…
It reminded me of something important: Staying balanced isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters most.
I wanted a new outfit. I didn’t necessarily need it right then. It could wait. I impressed all the same repurposing a few existing items. And in a pinch, it worked out just fine! That new ruby red wool jacket in January – yeah, that’ll be just fine too!
That moment was a reminder to me—and maybe to you too—that sometimes, letting go of one thing can create space for everything else to flow more smoothly
How to Balance Creativity and Chaos
If you’re feeling the holiday hustle and wondering how to keep your creative sanity, here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose between “holiday mode” and “creative mode.” Balance is about embracing both, with a little intention and a lot of grace.
Here are a few mental shifts that are helping me navigate this busy season:
1. Acknowledge the Chaos
The holidays are busy. Period. Trying to ignore or resist that only adds pressure. Instead, acknowledge the season’s natural chaos and give yourself grace.
Example: Yes, there’s a lot going on, but that’s okay. I’ll do what I can and let the rest wait.
2. Prioritize Your Non-Negotiables
Identify 1-2 daily things that are sacred to you, whether they’re creative or simply self-nurturing. These small anchors will keep you grounded.
Example: For me, it’s 15 minutes out on the patio with Cosmo and a cup of tea. These small moments keep me sane and give me a much-needed mental breather.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Not everything has to be done before the new year. Sometimes, staying focused means saying, “This can wait.”
Example: I decided that one creative project can sit on the back burner until January. Just saying it out loud was freeing.
4. Leverage Small Wins
Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Focusing on what you did accomplish shifts your mindset from stress to gratitude.
Example: I got those buttons changed for a “like-new” party look AND learned of several creative ideas for 2025 – small victories, but they added up!
5. Redefine Success
At this time of year, success doesn’t mean completing everything. Sometimes, success is simply ending the year with your sanity intact.
Example: This week, success means removing a few minor things from the list altogether and finishing only the important stuff.
3 Quick Actions to Stay Balanced
Moments like these remind me that balance isn’t about doing it all; it’s about being intentional with what matters most. Here are a few ways I’m finding balance this season—and how you can too.
- Set Smaller Goals: Instead of overwhelming yourself with big to-dos, aim for one or two manageable tasks each day.
- Use Visual Reminders: When your mind feels full, let a sticky note or simple visual guide your next step.
- Celebrate “Good Enough”: Perfection can wait. For now, embrace progress and let “good enough” carry you through.
Finding Your Balance
The holiday season will always have its share of chaos, but with a little intention, you can create space for what truly matters—to you, your loved ones, and your creative spirit.
Remember: Your enthusiasm and creativity are gifts. Planning, balance, and grace are how you share them with the world (without losing yourself in the process).
What’s one small thing you can do today to embrace balance and let go of perfection? Whether it’s starting your day with a non-negotiable practice, redefining what success means, or simply saying “this can wait,” I’d love to hear how you’re finding your balance this season.
Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the holiday hustle.
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