Make Space for Peace Before the Season Takes Over

The holidays stir up all kinds of emotions—excitement, stress, joy, sadness—sometimes all at once. And if we’re not intentional, those emotions can run the show. 

This simple five-step reflection guide will help you slow down, reflect, take inventory of what you’re carrying, process your emotions, and realign with what matters most before the chaos begins. 

Before you start here are three important reminders about emotions:

1. Your emotions are valid. What you feel might not always reflect reality, but it’s still real to you. Give yourself permission to feel instead of shoving it down. Then, gently seek out the truth behind the feeling.
2. Unprocessed emotions can leak. If left unchecked, emotions can bleed into your relationships, decisions, and everyday life. The best way to love the people around you is to take control of your emotions—before they take control of you.
3. You can feel more than one thing at once. Pay attention to the layers. You might be joyful and anxious. Grateful and grieving. That’s normal.

Five-Steps to Process Your Emotions

1. Pause and Breathe

Take a moment to settle your mind: Sit comfortably. Inhale for four seconds. Hold for four. Exhale slowly for four. Repeat three times to help create space for honest reflection.

2. Name What You’re Feeling 

Emotions can swirl together, but putting names to them can bring clarity. Look over this list and identify any emotions you feel when you think about the holidays:

• • Excited
  • Grateful
  • Hopeful
  • Stressed
  • Anxious
  • Lonely
  • Disappointed
  • Overwhelmed
  • Angry
  • Content
  • Sad
  • Joyful
  • Numb
  • Exhausted
  • Relieved

Ask yourself: Which of these feelings is loudest right now? Which feelings surprised you?

3. Connect to What's Real

Every strong emotion has a story behind it. And often, it’s a story we’re telling ourselves—true or not. So, now that you’ve named your emotions, ask yourself:

• • What’s underneath this emotion? (Example: Stress might be hiding fear or perfectionism.)
  • What story am I telling myself about this season? (Example: "I have to make it perfect or it will be a failure.")
  • Where am I "performing" instead of being authentic?
  • What is true about this season that I can hold onto? (Example: "This season isn't about perfection. It's about presence.")

4. Release the Weight of Those Emotions Trying to Control You

If we don't deal with what's stirring inside, it eventually deals with us—usually in ways we don't want.

Take a minute to close your eyes and give yourself permission to feel the weight of the emotions you are holding. Now imagine placing each of your heavy emotions into a box and picture yourself handing that box to God.

You can pray something like: "God, you see everything I'm carrying. I'm giving this to you. Help me walk lighter today."

Or simply visualize placing it on a shelf to come back to later. But remember, holding too tightly may interfere with the way you want to live this season.

5. Refocus on What Matters Most

The heart of the holidays isn’t hustle, performance, or perfection. It’s about connection, gratitude, and celebration.

Ask yourself:

• • Who do I most want to be truly present with this season?
  • What simple moment would matter more than any big production?
  • How can I protect space for joy, even if plans go sideways?

Because internal peace isn't about everything around you being perfect. It's about your soul being anchored even when the world is not.

Journal Prompts:

1. “When I imagine facing the holidays with a healthy mindset, I picture myself…"
2. “When my life feels out of control, I find peace by…”