Let’s make the holidays a little simpler this year
Are you ready to ditch the hustle and create a gentle & fulfilling life you actually love? I currently have a handful of openings for 1:1 coaching this fall. Together, we can work to simplify the holiday season and create the cozy life you’ve been craving.
With the holiday season coming up fast, it’s easy to feel that pull to dive into all the things—the decor, the gifts, the gatherings, the EVERYTHING.
But here’s a thought: what if, just for this year, we tried something different? What if, instead of filling up on stress, we filled up on joy and calm?
Let’s take a step back and plan for a holiday season that actually feels good—a season that’s more about what really matters to us and less about what we think we “should” do.
Here’s how we can do it:
Prioritize What Matters
Think about what makes the holidays special to you and your family. Take a little time (maybe over coffee or even with your family) to chat about what traditions bring the most joy.
What are those things you’ll look back on and remember?
Consider asking yourself and your family:
What do I truly love about the holidays?
What memories do I want to create for my family this year?
Once we get clear on what matters, it’s easier to let go of the “extras” that don’t add much joy, just stress.
Simplify Your To-Do List
Holiday to-dos can pile up quickly—cooking, shopping, decorating—but here’s the question: does it all really need to get done?
Try a lighter approach:
Decorate selectively. Maybe choose just a couple of key spots instead of the whole house.
Stick with easy, family-favorite meals instead of going for complex recipes.
See if you can share the load—let the kids help decorate, or maybe your partner can handle some of the shopping.
Sometimes, scaling back just a little can make everything feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Create a Realistic Calendar
Between school events, work parties, family get-togethers—it’s easy for the calendar to feel completely packed. And where’s the space for you?
This year, try blocking out some intentional “no plans” days, where you get to rest, recharge, and spend time together without any agenda.
Protect these moments as if they’re just as important as any holiday event, because they are.
It’s okay to prioritize downtime just as much as the festive stuff!
Let Go of Perfection
Here’s something we could all use a reminder of: Your holiday doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t have to look like a Hallmark movie to be special.
Let’s drop the idea that everything has to be “just so” and focus instead on creating warm, genuine moments.
These are the memories that stick with us—the silly, unplanned, and even imperfect parts. They’re what make the holidays feel real.
Some Reflection Questions:
What are my top 3 priorities for the holidays this year?
Is there anything I could simplify or skip to reduce stress?
How can I carve out time for rest and joy this season?
The holidays don’t have to be a whirlwind of “doing it all.”
This year, let’s choose a little more ease and a lot more meaning.
When we focus on what truly matters, we’re creating space for moments that will last way beyond the holiday season.
Wishing you a holiday filled with peace, joy, and just enough of everything 💝
P.S. I put together a free Simplifying the Holidays checklist to help you get started on this journey to a calmer, happier holiday. Download it here. Let’s make this season a memorable one—in all the best ways.
P.P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can support you:
I’d love to connect with you over on Instagram, where I share tips for living a slower, more intentional life, as well as homeschooling with more ease. You’ll find little behind-the-scenes glimpses of my own journey—mindset shifts, simplifying routines, and what intentional living really looks like. Drop by and say hi anytime!
If you’re feeling ready to dive into mindful living or need some guidance with homeschooling, I offer 1:1 mini-sessions to help you get started.
Mindful Living: Choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour session where we’ll focus on finding ease in your day, reclaiming time for yourself, and creating a life aligned with your values.
Homeschool Mentoring: In a 1-hour session, we can work through any homeschooling challenges you’re facing, from setting up routines to creating a calm, supportive learning environment for your family.
For those ready to make a lasting change, I offer a 12-week personalized coaching package in mindful living. Over these 3 months, we’ll dive deep into creating a life that feels true to you—focusing on what truly matters and building routines that bring more harmony and ease to your days. I’m here to guide you every step of the way as you find a rhythm that genuinely supports you and your family.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to work with me, and let’s begin this journey together toward a more intentional, fulfilling life.
Here's What My Clients Are Saying:
"When I first started working with Xuan, I was grappling with feeling hopeless and helpless in my life. As a mom with young children, working full time, and in a taxing marriage, I was overwhelmed with how to approach my life. All the actions I had taken were not fulfilling, and I felt exhausted. Her coaching required me to dig deep and push through the discomfort of the position I was in. Xuan was always so encouraging and enlightening. While I recognize this is an ongoing journey and not over, I now have a strong sense of self again. I feel empowered and light. That light feeling has brought back my sanity.” - Cheralyn C.