Leading Through the Holidays: 5 Ways to Navigate Stress with More Ease

Posted on December 21st, 2025

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, don’t they? One minute we’re settling into fall, and the next we’re staring at year-end deadlines, school events, extra commitments, and a calendar that seems to multiply without our permission.

I’ve noticed that this season can feel especially heavy for leaders. We’re trying to wrap up projects, close the books, coordinate schedules, support our teams, and still find space to be present with the people we love. And somewhere in there, we’re expected to feel “joyful and bright.”

If that feels like a lot, you’re not alone. And the good news? There are simple, meaningful ways we can lead ourselves and others through this season with more calm, clarity, and heart.

Here are five practices I’ve found especially helpful—both in my own life and in the organizations I work with.

1. Set Realistic Expectations (and Say Them Out Loud)

One of the kindest things we can do as leaders this time of year is to take the guesswork out of what actually needs to get done. People carry so much silent pressure—often more than we realize.

As leaders, we can bring relief by saying things like:

• “Here’s what truly matters before year-end.”

• “This can wait until January.”

• “Let’s keep our goals simple this month.”

I’ve found that when expectations are clear, everyone breathes a little easier—including us.

2. Protect Time for Renewal—For Yourself and Your Team

I don’t know about you, but I have to remind myself that rest isn’t a luxury. It’s fuel. When we’re constantly giving, constantly doing, constantly juggling, our ability to think clearly and respond with empathy starts to fade.

This season, I’m giving myself permission to:

• Block “white space” on my calendar

• Take breaks without apologizing for them

• Step away from the inbox for a bit

• Protect my energy the same way I protect my commitments

And I’m encouraging teams to do the same. When we model rest, others feel safe to recharge, too.

3. Lead With Empathy First

The holidays bring out a mix of emotions for people—joy, grief, nostalgia, overwhelm, excitement, loneliness. We often don’t know what someone is carrying.

A simple check-in like, “How are you doing this month? Anything I can support you with?” can make a bigger difference than we realize. Sometimes people just need to feel seen.

Empathy builds trust, and trust lightens stress. It’s one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

4. Simplify Wherever You Can

I’m a big believer in reducing the noise this time of year. We don’t need more meetings, more pressure, or more complexity. We need room to think and breathe.

A few ways to simplify:

• Cancel non-essential meetings

• Shorten the ones that remain

• Streamline communication so people aren’t chasing information

• Keep celebrations meaningful, not elaborate

Simplicity is a gift—to you, your team, and your sanity.

5. Create Moments of Connection and Appreciation

People won’t remember every project we completed, but they will remember how they felt. Ending the year with gratitude and genuine connection can shift the entire tone of a workplace.

This can be as simple as:

• A handwritten note

• A moment in a meeting to acknowledge wins

• A heartfelt “thank you for showing up the way you do”

• Encouraging teammates to share appreciation for each other

These small touches become the memories people carry into the new year.

A Final Word—Leader to Leader

The holidays don’t have to be perfect. What matters most is that we move through this season with intention, empathy, and grace—for ourselves and for the people we lead. When we slow down, simplify, and create space for renewal, we set the tone for a healthier culture and a healthier year ahead.

And who knows… With a little more kindness toward ourselves, we may just rediscover the joy we’ve been too busy to notice.