Want to know the secret to manifesting more joy this holiday season? Self-care. I know, it sounds indulgent. But it’s actually the most effective way to raise your vibration and attract more of what you want.
If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and over-committed, you’re sending a very clear message to the universe: “I’m too busy for good things.” And you’ll get more of the same. Stress attracts more stress. Scarcity attracts more scarcity.
If you want more joy, you’ll need to feel more joy.
Make Joy the Priority
Start by making having fun your top priority. If it isn’t fun, why are you doing it?
I remember one year when I’d overcommitted (again). I was up until midnight wrapping presents, only to discover I’d run out of tape. So I ended up using stickers to hold the paper together. Festive, but not exactly the elegant look I was going for. And then I thought, why am I even doing this? Who said every gift has to be wrapped in matching paper with hand-tied bows?
Let go of the picture-perfect holiday. You’re not auditioning for a role in a Hallmark movie. You don’t need the matching napkins and homemade wreath unless that brings you pleasure.
Forget the “shoulds.” Focus on what brings you joy.
Don’t Try to Do It All Yourself
Delegate as much as possible. You’re not the only one capable of tying a bow or peeling carrots.
A few years ago, I handed the holiday cookie-making over to the kids. Yes, there was flour everywhere. Yes, one tray came out slightly burnt. But the joy and pride on their faces? Worth it. And they’ve made it a tradition; now I’m only invited in to taste-test.
Include the kids in whatever you can:
- Wrapping presents (they love this—especially with glittery paper!)
- Making homemade cards or ornaments
- Decorating the house
- Helping plan the holiday menu
They’ll feel important and proud. You’ll feel less burdened and more connected.
Ask your guests to bring a favorite dish. A colleague of mine hosts a big family dinner each year. Instead of cooking everything, she emails a sign-up sheet. One aunt brings stuffing. A cousin brings wine. Her brother is in charge of the cheese board. Everyone contributes, and everyone feels included.
It’s better this way. More connection, less stress.
Book a Massage (Yes, Really)
Now is the time. Book the massage. If that’s not an option, then soak in the tub. Take a hot shower with eucalyptus oil. Light a candle. Play your favorite music. Even ten minutes can reset your nervous system.
One of my clients has a weekly massage booked for all of December. It’s her holiday survival strategy. Another takes a walk every evening with her neighbor; they call it their “sanity stroll.”
Don’t wait for burnout. Build in breaks before you hit the wall.
Use Your Joy Filter
Here’s one of my favorite tools: the joy filter.
Look at your calendar. Look at your to-do list. Ask yourself: Does this bring me joy? And if not, why is it there?
Cancel the things that drain you. Say no without guilt. Your peace of mind is more valuable than any cookie exchange or gift swap. Instead, fill your schedule with what lights you up.
I love watching classic holiday films in pajamas with my girls. I love hot cocoa by the fire. And I love writing holiday cards with a fountain pen and sealing them with red wax; it’s my old-fashioned pleasure.
Make a list of your favorite holiday moments, the ones you actually enjoy. Then build your season around those.
Attract More by Doing Less
Here’s the core of the Law of Attraction: You attract what you feel.
When you’re calm, grateful, and present, you’re vibrating on the frequency of abundance. When you’re frazzled and resentful, you block good things from coming your way.
I’ve had years where everything flowed. Gifts arrived early, meals came together effortlessly, and the family actually got along. And I’ve had years where everything felt like a struggle.
The difference? Me. My energy, my choices, my mindset.
When I prioritize self-care, things shift. When I let go of perfection and invite help, I feel supported.
Try This Right Now
Take five minutes. Grab a notebook or a scrap of paper. Write down:
- Three things that bring you joy during the holidays
- Three things that cause you stress
- One small thing you can let go of
- One small pleasure you’ll commit to this week
Keep it simple. That’s the key.
Want to Start the New Year in Alignment?
If you want to start the New Year aligned, clear, and calm, then I’d love to invite you to join my New Year’s Evolution Course.
We’ll skip the boring resolutions and go straight to what really matters:
- Reviewing and completing the past year
- Creating a vision for the year ahead
- Attracting what you actually want (not what you “should” want)
- Building daily practices to stay in alignment
This isn’t about willpower or pushing. It’s about aligning your energy so that you can attract more of the good stuff—effortlessly.
You Deserve Joy
This is your reminder: you deserve joy.
Not after everything’s done. Not when the kitchen’s clean or the last card is sent. Now.
Put yourself on your own holiday list. Be gentle. Be playful. And be generous with yourself.
When you feel good, you attract more good. And that’s the real magic of the season.
