The Truth About Holiday Stress No One Tells Midlife Women (7 Steps to DeStress Christmas)

“Christmas should grow with you, not guilt you.”

In this week’s episode of The BraveHearted Woman Podcast, I’m inviting you into a heartfelt conversation about something so many midlife women feel this time of year—holiday overwhelm. As someone who still hosts Christmas for my family, I know firsthand how easily the joy of the season can turn into pressure, perfectionism, and exhaustion. That’s why I’m sharing seven practical, soul-settling ways to destress your Christmas so you can enjoy the holiday without losing your peace, your joy, or your mind.

I talk about how we often hold on to outdated traditions that drain us, and I encourage you to give yourself permission to release what no longer fits your life or season. Together, we unpack the myth of the “perfect Christmas” and explore how choosing presence over pressure creates the kind of memories that truly matter. I also share how I protect my own peace—ruthlessly!—and how simplifying your menu, gifts, and expectations can make the entire holiday feel lighter.

We dive into navigating family dynamics with maturity, choosing joy as a daily mindset, and creating new traditions that reflect the woman you’ve become today. I share personal stories, coaching insights, and spiritual encouragement to help you breathe deeper, set healthier boundaries, and experience Christmas with intention—not obligation.

I close the episode by reminding you that you deserve a Christmas that blesses you, not burns you out. And if you’re ready to step into the new year with clarity and confidence, I offer you my free Find Your Word of the Year ebook that has guided and anchored me year after year.

This episode is your invitation to create a holiday season filled with grace, peace, joy, and meaning—one that feels good to your soul.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

01:25 – The Weight of Holiday Expectations

03:18 – #1 Unclutter your Christmas

04:58 – #2 Let go of the perfect Christmas myth

07:06 – #3 Protect your peace

10:05 – #4 Simplify

11:50 – #5 Manage family dynamics

14:09 – #6 Choose joy

15:38 – #7 Create new Christmas traditions

16:43 – What really matters this holiday season?

19:02 - How to take action

Quotations:

“You’re not an intern for Santa — you don’t work at the North Pole.”

“Perfection is a thief. It steals your joy, your time, and your sleep.”

“Choose presence over pressure.”

“Peace on earth starts in your calendar and in your heart.”

“You’re not the emotional cruise director of your family.”

“Joy is a muscle — the more you practice it, the stronger it becomes.”

“Give yourself the gift of peace, simplicity, and joy this holiday season.”

Resources:

🎁 Get a copy of Dawn’s “Find Your Word of the Year” ebook: