From Holiday Chaos to Calm, By Carrigan Ham

Until a few years ago, I regarded the holiday season as a necessary evil.I dreaded the spending, the family tensions, the pressure to please everyone, and the constant overindulgence that left me drained.

Then something shifted. Maybe it was maturity, or maybe it was simply enough years of exhaustion. Either way - I decided to make a stand for myself.

I was done with dreading the holidays and battling with expectations that stole the joy from the season.

So, I slowed down.

I started looking at the traditions that actually felt meaningful - the ones that made me feel connected and alive.

I stopped trying to do everything and instead began creating intentionally - handcrafting sauces, making seasonal salads for potlucks (they always disappear first!), and gifting handmade cards and herbal blends.

Then something amazing happened…The season began to feel sacred again.

You might gasp at the thought:“I don’t have time to hand make anything!” That’s exactly the point.

What if the rush, the shopping, the striving - were all distractions from what truly matters?What if you could lead with intention, host gracefully, and keep your poise because everything you created came from love, not urgency?

Imagine taking a moment to breathe, to feel present in the magic of it all. It’s not about doing it my way. It’s about honoring what you value this season.

Entertain with ease. Take moments for self-care. Embrace community.

This year, let’s make it a calm, connected holiday - together.