Holiday Harmony: Tips to Beat Stress and Actually Enjoy the Season (as seen on CBS with Christianne Klein)

Travel and Lifestyle Expert, Christianne Klein, on CBS- sharing Holiday Harmony Hacks.

If holiday stress has started creeping in, you’re not alone. For many families, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can feel like one long sprint- travel logistics, school events, hosting duties, gifts to buy, meals to plan, and the pressure to create "joyful" memories at every turn. Add in something unexpected, and it can feel like everything is falling apart. It’s no surprise that by early December, many of us feel more frazzled than festive.

But the season doesn’t have to feel that way. With a few thoughtful habits and intentional strategies, you can reclaim your time, reduce overwhelm, and create space for the moments that actually matter.

The challenge, of course, is that prioritizing your own mental and emotional well-being can feel nearly impossible during the busiest time of the year. We take on so much (hosting, traveling, planning, wrapping, cooking, family-relationship mediation) all while trying to keep up with work and everyday responsibilities. That’s exactly why simple, doable practices make such a difference. They help shift your focus back to what you truly want from the holidays: meaningful moments with the people you love.

Here are the top Holiday Harmony Hacks: Tips to Beat Stress and Actually Enjoy the Season that I shared on CBS and Yahoo!, each broken down into small steps that make them easy to put into action. You can also watch the full segment below...

1. Plan Ahead- Organization Is Your Stress Shield

Preparation is one of the easiest ways to protect your peace during the holiday rush. When you streamline decisions early, you give yourself more room to breathe later.

Try these organization hacks:

• Share your holiday schedule early with your partner or household. Include travel dates, packing lists, school activities, family visits, and meals. When everyone knows the game plan, last-minute chaos disappears.

  
  

• Create a babysitting or “grandparent essentials list.” Include snacks, toys, entertainment ideas, medications, favorite bedtime items, and even screen-time rules. Keep it saved on your phone so it’s easy to send when a relative offers to help.

  
  

• Plan for your return before you leave. If you’re traveling, build a grocery delivery order in advance (but don’t hit submit until you know your flight isn’t delayed.) A stocked fridge is a gift to your future self.

  
  

• Prep a “post-travel recovery kit.” Cozy clothes, hydration packets, lip balm, and a simple dinner plan. For us, that’s a frozen lasagna and pre-ordered salad ingredients I can throw together in minutes. Zero thinking, zero stress.

  
  

2. Prioritize “Me Time” (It’s Not Selfish - It’s Survival)

Self-care during the holidays isn’t indulgent- it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re more emotionally available for everyone else.

Ways to build in “me time”:

• Block at least 30 minutes per week for yourself- and make sure your partner gets the same.

  
  

• Treat that time like a real appointment. No cancellations.

  
  

• Try a grounding ritual: meditation, stretching, a bubble bath, reading, or even sitting outside with your morning coffee.

  
  

• Book a self-care experience just for you. This year, I had the viral salmon sperm facial at Flawless MedSpa (yes, really!) and my skin is glowing now for holiday parties. I’ll share a full feature next week.

  
  

• Protect your quiet moments fiercely.

  
  

3. Set Boundaries - Without the Guilt

Travel and Lifestyle Expert, Christianne Klein, on CBS- sharing Holiday Harmony Hacks.

The holidays are full of invitations, requests, and expectations. You don’t have to say yes to everything.

Here’s how to set gentle, guilt-free boundaries:

• Follow the “3-Event Rule.” Choose your top three holiday activities- everything else is optional.

  
  

• Say no when you need to. No apologies. No long explanations.

  
  

• Create a go-to decline script so you never feel caught off guard.

  
  

• Set expectations ahead of time: “We’re excited to join, but we’ll need to leave by 8.”

  
  

• If conversations get uncomfortable (discussions about politics or your ex and why you broke up), redirect with grace:“Let’s keep it light- it’s the holidays!” or "I'm going to get something to drink- anyone want anything?" Sometimes the kindest boundary is simply shifting the energy to something everyone can enjoy.

4. Slow Down & Be Present

Perfectly staged moments rarely become the memories we cherish. The real magic happens in the in-between.

Try these ways to stay grounded:

• Choose connection over perfection.

  
  

• Let go of creating “Instagram-worthy” moments.

  
  

• Focus on shared experiences- cooking, baking, watching movies, strolling to see lights, or laughing over dessert.

  
  

• Build in one moment of stillness each day- deep breaths, gratitude, or a quiet pause.

  
  

• Reserve one night or day as a “no plans, no pressure” reset.

  
  

5. Check In With Your Household

A calm season starts with communication- especially with kids.

Make daily check-ins part of your routine:

• Spend two minutes asking each family member how they’re feeling.

  
  

• Ask what they need today: rest, help, quiet time, or encouragement.

  
  

• Divide tasks based on those check-ins.

  
  

• Let kids express their excitement or sensory overwhelm. Children who feel heard are more regulated, cooperative, and calm. These mini conversations strengthen connection, especially when you’re traveling or navigating packed schedules.

  
  

The holidays will always be busy- but they don’t have to be overwhelming. With these Holiday Harmony Hacks, you can shift from surviving to savoring. Protect your peace, prioritize presence, and build a season full of fun, connection, and meaningful memories.

Watch the full segment below:

Christianne Klein and J.C. Fernandez on CBS, Las Vegas, discussing Holiday Harmony Hacks

CBS Link to Holiday Harmony Hacks: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/las-vegas-now/survive-the-holiday-season-without-the-stress/

Yahoo! Link to Holiday Harmony Hacks: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/survive-holiday-season-without-stress-013136115.html

Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.

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