How to Survive the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Ladle)
Ah, the holiday season. It’s the most wonderful time of the year… right? The twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and endless opportunities for joy can quickly turn into frantic schedules, overcrowded grocery stores, and a house that looks like a seasonal tornado hit it. Stress, thy name is December.
But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, embracing imperfection is the secret to surviving—and even thriving—during the holiday chaos. And what better way to de-stress than by cooking? Yes, you heard me. Cooking doesn’t have to feel like another item on your to-do list. With the right mindset, it can become a form of therapy… and no, you don’t need to julienne your carrots perfectly for it to work.
So, let’s talk about how to keep your cool in the kitchen and beyond, and I’ll even share my go-to stress-free recipes to help you along the way.
Tangible Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress
Set Realistic Expectations
Let’s start with a little mantra: Done is better than perfect. The tree doesn’t need to rival Rockefeller Center, and it’s okay if your cookies come out looking like Pinterest fails. Your loved ones will remember the laughs, not the lopsided gingerbread men. The picture-perfect holiday you see in movies or on Instagram isn’t real life. Decide what truly matters to you this season and focus on that. Maybe it’s decorating one room instead of the entire house, or making one signature dessert instead of a full buffet. Giving yourself permission to do less creates room for more joy and less pressure.Delegate Like a Pro
The holidays aren’t a one-person show. You don’t have to be the one doing everything. Assign tasks to family and friends: someone wraps, someone shops, someone wrangles the kids or pets. Think of it as your holiday squad. Make a list of tasks and assign them to willing participants. It’s okay to ask for help; in fact, it makes the holidays feel more communal and less like a solo mission.Make a Plan… But Stay Flexible
Write down your top priorities for the week. A to-do list or calendar can be your best friend during the holidays, helping you keep track of events, shopping, and meal prep. However, life happens—delivery delays, surprise guests, or a burnt pie. Embrace a go-with-the-flow attitude and remind yourself that hiccups can turn into memorable stories. When plans inevitably change (because they will), pivot with grace. Or wine. Whichever works.Schedule Time for Yourself
The holidays don’t mean you should sacrifice your sanity. The holidays are about giving, but don’t forget to give yourself the gift of rest. Block out time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or 20 minutes of quiet with a cup of coffee. Even a short pause can help you feel more centered and ready to tackle the next task. Take 10 minutes to sip tea, read a book, or hide in your bathroom… I mean, meditate.Simplify Meals
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Not every meal needs to be a production. A one-pot meal can be just as delicious as a five-course spread. Keep a few easy, crowd-pleasing recipes in your arsenal for busy days. Think one-pot soups, sheet pan dinners, or casseroles that can be prepped ahead of time. Bonus points if it’s make-ahead-friendly. The goal is nourishment without stress—because feeding yourself and your loved ones shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Cooking as a De-Stressor
Let’s face it: The kitchen can either be a battlefield or a sanctuary. With the right mindset, it can become a calming retreat rather than a stress-filled battleground. Here’s how to turn cooking into a restorative experience:
Start with a Clean Slate: A messy kitchen adds unnecessary stress. Before diving into a recipe, take a moment to clear your counters, load the dishwasher, and put away anything unrelated to your cooking. This small step creates an inviting space to work and helps you feel mentally prepared.
Put on Some Tunes: Music is a proven mood-booster. Whether you’re grooving to Mariah Carey’s holiday hits, swaying to some jazz, or rocking out to your favorite playlist, the right soundtrack can turn even the most mundane meal prep into a mini dance party.
Prep Ahead of Time: If chopping, measuring, or organizing ingredients feels overwhelming, do it earlier in the day or even the night before. Prepping ahead not only saves time but also lets you approach cooking with a sense of ease and readiness.
Focus on Simple Recipes: Choose meals that don’t require complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. One-pot dishes like soups, chilis, and stews are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up. Keep a few go-to recipes handy so you’re never stuck wondering what to cook. Might I suggest the Stress-Free Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Embrace Imperfection: Cooking is not a test of your worth. It’s okay if your vegetables aren’t cut evenly, your pie crust crumbles, or your soup ends up a little spicier than intended. Every imperfection is part of the story, and chances are, no one else will notice. If you haven’t yet, I’d recommend reading the inspiration for my Noodles with Veggies and Spicy Szechuan Peanut Sauce: A Journey of Flavor & Self-Love.
Use Cooking as Mindfulness Practice: Pay attention to the smells, textures, and colors as you chop, stir, and season. Cooking can be meditative when you stay present and engage your senses. Think of it as a delicious form of self-care like this Calming Baked Potato Soup with Miso & Black Garlic.
Make It Social (or Not): If you enjoy company, invite a family member or friend to join you in the kitchen. Cooking together can create meaningful memories and lighten the workload. I particularly love this handmade pasta if I’m cooking with friends and family. On the other hand, if you need quiet, let others know you’re using this time for yourself—it’s perfectly okay to guard your kitchen as a solo sanctuary.
Treat Yourself to the Presentation: Take an extra minute to plate your food nicely or add a garnish, even if it’s just for you. Small touches like this can make the meal feel special and remind you that you’re worth the effort.
Perfection Has No Place in the Kitchen (or the Holidays)
Let’s get one thing straight: perfection is overrated. The holidays already demand so much of us—perfect gifts, perfect outfits, perfect Instagram-worthy decorations—and it’s exhausting. The kitchen should be a refuge from that pressure, not another stage for perfectionism to take the spotlight.
Here’s the thing about perfection: it’s unattainable, and it’s no fun. Striving for flawless soufflés or magazine-spread-worthy cookie trays often leads to frustration, self-doubt, and a pile of dirty dishes that look like the aftermath of a culinary battle. Spoiler alert: no one will remember how evenly you piped the frosting, but they will remember the warmth and love that came from your efforts.
Mistakes Are the Best Teachers (and the Funniest Stories): Did you forget to set a timer and end up with slightly charred cookies? Congratulations—you’ve just invented “holiday biscotti.” Did your soup boil over while you were multitasking? No worries—clean it up, and you’ve got a funny anecdote for next year. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re proof you’re trying, learning, and human.
Good Food Isn’t Always Pretty: Let’s be honest—some of the most comforting dishes look like a hot mess. Chili bubbling away on the stove or a casserole fresh out of the oven might not win beauty contests, but they’ll win hearts (and stomachs). Focus on flavor and heart, not Instagram filters.
Imperfection Builds Connection: When you let go of the need to be perfect, you give others permission to do the same. Guests and family members will feel more relaxed when they see you rolling with the punches instead of stressing about getting everything “just right.” A slightly wonky pie crust or a cake with a crack down the middle can spark laughter and remind everyone that the holidays are about being together—not being flawless.
The Beauty of ‘Good Enough’: Not every meal has to be gourmet. Sometimes “good enough” is the perfect amount of effort. Boxed brownie mix? Yes, please. Pre-chopped veggies? Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken from the store? A lifesaver. Save the extra energy for things that truly matter, like spending time with loved ones or sneaking in a well-deserved nap.
Your Kitchen, Your Rules: Remember, you’re the boss of your kitchen. If you want to serve store-bought cookies on a platter and call it a day, do it. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to try Grandma’s elaborate stuffing recipe, go for it—but only because you want to, not because you feel like you should.
Cooking is meant to nourish, not stress you out. So, take a deep breath, let go of the perfectionism, and remind yourself: a meal cooked with love is always a success—no matter how it turns out.
A Final Word
The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. Whether you’re sharing a meal with loved ones or stealing a quiet moment with a bowl of soup, remember to give yourself grace. If all else fails, there’s always takeout. Cheers to a stress-free holiday season!
