The holiday season is here again. Just a few more days until the celebrations, and, as always, it’s been quite the process. Christmas decorations are everywhere, and the air is filled with festive carols. It’s supposed to be a joyful time when everyone is in great spirits. But for many people, it’s the exact opposite—the most stressful time of the year.

Watch the video or keep reading to find out more.

There are extra holiday parties to attend, endless shopping lists to tackle, entertaining to plan, and gifts to wrap. If you’re hosting, you might be scrambling to prepare your home or bring a thoughtful hostess gift. If you’re in business, you’re likely focused on thanking clients, organizing cards, or finding creative ways to stay connected despite the Canada Post strike. All of this can feel overwhelming, piling on stress rather than fostering the joy the season promises.

And yet, life doesn’t pause for the holidays. Year-end deadlines still loom. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working for an organization, you’re likely juggling professional objectives alongside holiday preparations. Sales targets, projects, and responsibilities don’t disappear, and finding the balance between it all can feel daunting.

But what if you could shift your mindset? Here are two powerful reframes to help you navigate the holiday hustle with confidence and gratitude.

1. It’s Going to Happen Anyway – Choose Joy

The first mindset shift is to remind yourself: It’s going to happen anyway.

Picture this: You’re standing in a long grocery store line, frustrated because there are 20 people ahead of you. Whether you like it or not, you’re going to wait in that line. You need those eggs, and walking away isn’t an option. So why not choose to make the experience enjoyable?

Instead of focusing on the inconvenience, shift your attention. Observe what others are buying, admire the store’s decorations, or daydream about the fun moments ahead—perhaps a holiday meal or a lighthearted work gathering. By choosing to find joy in the moment, you take control of your emotional experience.

The next time you catch yourself grumbling about holiday traffic, shopping, or party prep, remind yourself: It’s going to happen anyway. Then ask yourself: How can I make this enjoyable?

2. Reframe with Gratitude

The second reframe is to shift from “I have to” to “I get to.”

Instead of thinking:

• “I have to buy presents.”
• “I have to cook dinner.”
• “I have to attend this party.”

Reframe your thoughts with gratitude:

• “I get to buy presents because I have loved ones to shop for.”
• “I get to cook dinner because I have a home to host in and people to share it with.”
• “I get to attend this party because I was invited, and someone values my presence.”

When you see these tasks through a lens of gratitude, everything shifts. You’re reminded of how fortunate you are to have family, friends, and opportunities to celebrate.

This year, my husband and I decided to skip physical gifts and focus on experiences instead. We’re taking the family to Cirque du Soleil, creating memories together rather than accumulating “stuff.” Whatever you choose to do—whether it’s giving gifts, sharing a meal, or simply spending time with loved ones—remember that the true spirit of the holidays isn’t about material things. It’s about love, connection, and generosity.

A Gift of Forgiveness

The holiday season is also an opportunity for forgiveness and healing. Many of my clients struggle with strained relationships—with parents, siblings, children, or friends. Perhaps this season can be a time to rebuild bridges and mend those bonds. Offering forgiveness or seeking reconciliation could be the most meaningful gift you give or receive this year.

So, as you navigate the holiday hustle, remember these two reframes:

1. It’s going to happen anyway, so choose joy.
2. Reframe with gratitude—recognize what you get to do rather than what you have to do.

Whatever your holiday season looks like, embrace the warmth and generosity of the spirit it brings. You’ll find that even amidst the busyness, there’s joy and gratitude to be found.

Happy holidays, everyone!

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