Holiday Caregiver Reset: Find Calm Amid the Chaos

Let’s be honest: the holidays aren’t quite like they were when we were kids. Back then, the only thing I had to worry about was, “Did I get the toy I wanted?” Now, the to-do list feels never-ending—cooking, cleaning, running errands, working, paying bills, and for many of us, caregiving. It’s exhausting just writing this out! And as if that wasn’t enough, the holidays add another layer of chaos to the mix.

Don’t get me wrong—I love the holiday season. I cherish spending time with family, but I don’t love the stress that comes with it. For me, the holidays often mean rushing through work, scrambling to prepare meals, and then hosting or traveling. Sound familiar?

As caregivers, we already carry so much. Caregiving can be stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting, especially this time of year. It’s also rewarding and deeply satisfying, but here’s the question: Who is taking care of us during the holidays? We’ll explore that in a moment.

The Challenges of Holiday Caregiving

Caregiving is all about giving, and the holiday season amplifies the pressures. Many caregivers face these common challenges:

• Balancing caregiving duties with holiday traditions: Cooking traditional dishes, baking cookies, sending holiday cards, and keeping up with family rituals.
• Managing expectations from family and yourself: Trying to create the “perfect holiday” can add unnecessary stress.
• Feeling overwhelmed by too many responsibilities: Wrapping gifts, cleaning, attending endless gatherings, and dealing with financial pressures—all while feeling overcommitted.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.

What if I told you that you could experience the holidays with more joy and less stress? Would you believe me? It’s possible—but it does require a shift in mindset and priorities. I’ve outlined three mini-reset tips to help you reclaim your holiday peace.

The 3 Mini-Reset Tips

Tip 1: Simplify Holiday Traditions

Focus on 1–2 meaningful traditions instead of trying to do it all.

• Bake cookies—maybe even involve your loved one in the process.
• Make one special dish instead of a full spread.
• Do a White Elephant or Secret Santa gift exchange for adults—many apps can help organize this, even on a budget.

Here’s an example: This year, my family decided to skip the elaborate meal prep. Instead, we ordered Chinese food, baked cookies using premade dough, and spent the evening laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was simple, stress-free, and so much fun!

Ask yourself: What’s one tradition that truly matters to you? What’s something that makes it feel like the holidays? Prioritize that—and let the rest go.

Tip 2: Build in Micro Moments of Rest

Small breaks can do wonders for your mental clarity and energy.

• Try a simple breathing exercise: Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale through your nose for 4 seconds. Repeat a few times to feel grounded.
• Create a “quiet space” for yourself. One of my clients uses her walk-in closet as her reset zone. She sits on a mat, sets a timer for 5 minutes, and focuses on her breathing. She says it’s her happy place and her go-to for managing stress.
• Take a 5–10 minute walk. It improves your mood, activates your relaxation response, and decreases anxiety.

These moments don’t have to be long—they just need to happen.

Tip 3: Shift Expectations & Accept Help

This tip has been my biggest challenge, but it’s also been the most rewarding.

• Set boundaries: Let someone else prepare a dish you’d typically make. It’s okay if it’s not exactly how you’d do it—it’s one less thing on your plate.
• Delegate hosting duties: Hosting doesn’t always have to fall on you. Let someone else take the lead this year.
• Learn the power of “no”: Say no to extra gatherings or responsibilities, guilt-free. The time you save can be spent taking care of yourself.

Remember, it’s okay to let go. You’re not failing anyone—you’re giving yourself the gift of peace.

Your Holiday Reset Action Step

What’s one-holiday tradition or task you could simplify this year to reduce stress? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share with me in my Facebook group. Reflecting on this question could be the key to avoiding burnout and embracing joy this season.

January 3-Day Burnout Solution Event

If the holidays leave you feeling drained, my free January event is here to help you reset, recharge, and reclaim your energy. It’s called the 3-Day Burnout Solution, and it’s the perfect way to start the New Year feeling refreshed. No, it is not just about meditation. Join the waitlist today to reserve your spot!

Thank You

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I appreciate you! If you found this post helpful, let me know in my Facebook group. Don’t forget to join me live every other Saturday in the group for more tips and tricks to make caregiving easier. Wishing you a peaceful, joyful holiday season!

About the Author

Johanna is a transformation coach dedicated to helping caregivers find balance, reclaim their energy, and thrive in their journey. With years of experience working alongside caregivers of loved ones with dementia, Johanna understands the unique challenges they face. Through her compassionate coaching, workshops, and support resources, she empowers caregivers to prioritize their well-being while strengthening their connection with those they care for.

When Johanna isn’t coaching, you can find her sharing practical tips, heartwarming stories, and laughter-infused strategies to make caregiving not just manageable, but meaningful. Join her mission to embrace the joy and resilience that comes with caregiving on Facebook Dementia Caregiver Support & Wellness Group.