The Holiday Survival Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… right?
For many of us (myself included), it’s a magical time - a whirlwind of twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and long-overdue R&R. But for others (especially us creatives), it can feel a bit sticky. Maybe it’s the unrelenting pressure to look cheerful while juggling family dynamics and year-end reflections, or the gnawing sense that you should have done more in the last twelve months. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: whether you’re bursting with anticipation or feeling a sinking knot in your stomach, you’re not alone. You’re safe, you’re doing great, and you deserve joy and celebration this season - on your own terms.
So, as we all start to wind down (or gear up) for whatever the holiday season entails for you, here’s a little love letter to your artist’s soul: reminders, tools, and a sprinkle of encouragement to carry you through. I’m proud of you.
Celebrate Who You Are. Grab a notebook and list ten things you love about yourself. Be specific and go deep, even if it feels uncomfortable: why do you love these things? Then follow it up with a list of ten accomplishments from this past year that make you feel proud and sparkly. Big, small, or somewhere in-between - honor them all.
Celebration Time! Use the above list as reason to celebrate. Get the fancy latte, wander through an art museum for the afternoon, or soak in the most luxurious bubble bath you can muster. Imagine the version of you from one year ago seeing everything you’ve done - and how proud they’d be of you.
What’s Going Right. Holiday family time can be a minefield for artists sometimes. The strategy: make a conscious effort to talk about everything that’s going right in your life, career, community. Share the things you’re excited about, your favorite wins - no matter how small they might seem to someone outside your industry. Traditional success metrics don’t apply here. If you’re talking about setbacks (still citing last year’s strikes?) or “what hasn’t happened yet,” you’re amplifying that energy and intention. Lean into gratitude, positivity, and the future instead. You’re planting seeds with every word. Stay grounded and stay excited.
Be of Service. The one surefire, foolproof way to escape the spiral of self-doubt or negativity? Shift the focus to someone else. Donate to a food bank, help your family cook Christmas dinner, track down the perfect gift for your favorite person, or volunteer at a nonprofit. The act of showing up for others spreads joy, replenishes your own spirit, and feels pretty damn good along the way.
Choose Your People Wisely. You might not get to pick everyone you’re spending time with, but prioritize those who fill your cup. Seek out moments with the family members or friends who light you up - bolster yourself with positive energy, and you’ll carry it with you into every room.
Nourish Yourself - Literally & Figuratively. Holiday indulgence is fun, but balance keeps the wind in your sails. Stay hydrated, eat your veggies, and get some movement in - whether it’s a kitchen dance session or an after-dinner walk with your family. And if your loved ones don’t approach nutrition or meals the same way you do? Offer to cook dinner for everyone or cook with them, and make sure you bring your favorite healthy staples home with you. And make sure to check in on your sleep patterns and set down the phone every once in a while.
Create, Create, Create. When in doubt, return to art. No matter how packed your schedule is, carve out time to reconnect with your creativity while you’re with family, off your usual routine, or staying in an unfamiliar place. Even twenty minutes of designated, agenda-free journaling, painting, or music playing can remind you of who you are beneath the holiday frenzy.
Hold Your Boundaries. Not every invitation requires a yes. Say no to that holiday party if the people there will drain you, or if that dinner isn’t in your budget. You can’t be everything to everyone - and you don’t need to be. Protect your time, energy, and wallet by choosing only the events and people that add to your light.
Celebrate - And Celebrate Again. This one’s worth repeating (re: No. 2) - don’t wait for the New Year to toast your wins. Honor your progress now. And if your inner critic rears its head? Challenge it. You’ve done so much.
Dream Big. Think of this as a gift to your future self. Create a sacred, yummy ritual around setting your goals: light a candle, play your favorite music, and let yourself dream unapologetically. Get as specific as you can, brainstorm every avenue, leave no possibility unexplored to bring those to life. And challenge yourself to do it in the most fun way possible. Map out the steps you’ll take - but leave space for serendipity. Creativity blooms best when it’s fun.
This season is about giving, yes - but don’t forget to give to yourself. Replenish your artist’s soul so you can step into the new year ready to create, connect, and thrive. You’ve got this.
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season, no matter what you’re celebrating, where, or with whom, and a beautiful new year. Let’s wipe the slate clean and see what’s next.
