Let’s be honest, the holidays can feel like a beautiful mess. One minute you’re lighting a candle and feeling all sentimental and the next minute you’re stressed because someone needs a snack, the star on the tree is crooked, the gift list isn’t done, and apparently there’s another school thing you forgot about. It’s a lot.
But here’s the truth no one says out loud enough...
You don’t need a perfect routine to get through the holidays. You just need a few steady habits that don’t fall apart when everything else does.
These are the five anchor habits that help you stay grounded, steady, and sane when life gets loud and December gets busy
1. Reset Your Spaces Before Bed
I know you’re tired, but waking up to a semi-clean kitchen and a reset living room is the difference between starting your day calm or starting your day already behind. During the holidays, when schedules get weird and days feel fuller, this habit becomes even more powerful. Do a quick five minute pickup and start the dishwasher. Your future self will thank you tomorrow morning.
2. Prep Something for Tomorrow (Just One Thing)
Don’t try to prep your entire life. Choose one thing that makes tomorrow lighter. Lay out clothes, portion breakfast, pack the bag, or set out the gift-wrapping supplies. One thing is enough. This small act tells your brain, “We’re steady, we’re prepared, we’ve got this,” even when everything around you feels chaotic.
3. Drink Water Before Coffee
During the holidays, moms tend to run on caffeine and adrenaline. But your body is begging for water first. This simple anchor habit grounds you physically and clears some of the mental fog before the day gets moving. Start your morning by filling your water bottle and taking a few slow sips. It sets the tone for the whole day.
4. A Morning Touchpoint (3 Things That Matter Today)
When the holiday calendar starts piling up, it’s easy to rush through the day without direction and then wonder why you feel scattered. Every morning, pause and write your top three for the day. Not everything, just the things that matter. This habit helps you stay focused and intentional, even when the to-do list tries to take over.
5. A Midday Reset Moment
This one is a game changer. Sometime between lunch and dinner, take two minutes and reset your space and your brain. Toss trash, put away a few things, breathe deeply, refill your water, and mentally check in with yourself. It’s a micro-pause that interrupts the chaos before it builds. Moms underestimate how powerful one small midday reset is.
A Holiday You Don’t Have to Recover From
You don’t need to “do it all” this season. You don’t need to keep up with everyone else’s version of the holidays either. What you need are small, steady habits that support you. Anchor habits that don’t rely on motivation, fancy routines, or having the perfect day.
When everything feels busy, these habits keep you grounded.
When your schedule gets full, these habits keep you steady.
When the chaos hits, these habits bring you back home to yourself.
Here's to a less stressful holiday season!! You got this mama!!
Until next time, Lori
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