The holidays can be a bittersweet time. For many, this season brings celebration and warmth, but for those carrying grief, trauma, or the weight of daily stress, it may feel more overwhelming than joyful. If that’s where you are, take a deep breath—you’re not alone.

I recently hosted a webinar called "Unlocking Holiday Joy: Thriving Through Holiday Stress" where I shared faith-centered strategies to help you find peace and balance during the holidays, even when life feels heavy. If you couldn’t join me live, I’m excited to share the full recording with you below. Before you press play, let me give you a sneak peek into some of the highlights.

Recognizing the Patterns That Steal Our Peace

Have you noticed certain thoughts or habits creeping in during the holidays that make things harder instead of easier? I call these “holiday saboteurs,” and I’ve seen how they can drain joy and connection when left unchecked.

Some examples include:

• The pleaser in us, who sacrifices personal joy to meet everyone else’s expectations.

• The avoider, who pulls back from gatherings or tasks because they feel overwhelming or painful.

• The controller, who insists everything must be perfect, only to end up adding unnecessary stress.

In the webinar, I dive deep into these saboteurs (and more) and show you how to recognize when they’re at work in your life. These patterns might feel like they’re helping, but they often stem from fear and survival mode—and they can rob us of the peace God desires for us.

Simple Practices to Quiet Stress

One of the most powerful tools I shared is what I call a "PQ Rep"—a 10-second exercise designed to calm your survival brain and bring you back to the present moment. It’s as simple as taking a mindful breath or focusing on the sensation of your feet on the ground.

These exercises help shift your perspective and make room for joy, even in the middle of chaos or difficult emotions. During the webinar, I walked attendees through these exercises step by step, and I’d love for you to try them too.

Finding Comfort and Strength in Faith

The heart of this message is about returning to what matters most—your faith. When we’re grieving or struggling, it’s easy to feel disconnected from God’s peace. But I truly believe He longs to walk with us through every moment of this season, especially the hard ones.

In the webinar, I shared ways to invite God into your daily rhythm, including breath prayers and moments of stillness to release stress and reconnect with Him. These small, simple acts can create a big impact on how you experience the holidays.

Watch the Webinar Replay Now

If you’re ready to explore these ideas more deeply, I encourage you to watch the full recording below. It’s about 45 minutes long and packed with practical tips, heartfelt encouragement, and tools to help you approach the holidays with hope.