A Fun + Factual Guide to Staying Sane, Nourished, and Organized
Let’s be honest:
The holiday season has a way of convincing us that EVERYTHING is urgent.
The holiday season has a way of convincing us that EVERYTHING is urgent.
The cookies are urgent.
The gifts are urgent.
The outfits are urgent.
The “Pinterest-perfect” moments are urgent.
Suddenly even the dog needs a Christmas sweater and the lights must be hung at the exact 23° angle for family photos.
The gifts are urgent.
The outfits are urgent.
The “Pinterest-perfect” moments are urgent.
Suddenly even the dog needs a Christmas sweater and the lights must be hung at the exact 23° angle for family photos.
But here’s the truth — and it’s freeing:
Most of it is not urgent.
Most of it is simply noise.
Most of it is not urgent.
Most of it is simply noise.
And the older I get (and the more grands I have running around), the more I realize that the holidays are less about the hustle…
and more about the holy moments in between the hustle.
and more about the holy moments in between the hustle.
So let’s break this down in a way that makes your nervous system exhale
🌿 First: The Perspective Shift
(aka: How to stay out of holiday overwhelm)
The “tyranny of the urgent” tricks you into thinking that EVERYTHING has to be done right now, perfectly, and preferably by you.
But research shows that when we operate in constant urgency, our bodies pump out cortisol like it’s going out of style — which leads to:
- brain fog
- irritability
- poor decision-making
- emotional overwhelm
- stress eating (hello Christmas fudge)
Your body isn’t meant to live at Level 10 stress for eight straight weeks.
Perspective is your holiday superpower.
Slow down the pace → your mind, hormones, digestion, and sleep.
Slow down the pace → your mind, hormones, digestion, and sleep.
🎁 Second: The Fun Part
(aka: Tracie’s Holiday Sanity Tips That Actually Work)
These are the things I’ve learned through years of parenting, grandparenting, caregiving, theater seasons, moving chaos, and living a naturopathic lifestyle.
✨ 1. Choose your “Big Three.”
Not everything needs to happen.
So pick three things that matter most to you:
So pick three things that matter most to you:
- meaningful memories
- faith traditions
- simple meals
- family time
- gift-giving with intention
- staying nourished
Then let the rest be optional.
✨ 2. Batch your errands.
Your brain loves batching — it reduces stress and saves time.
Try grouping:
- grocery store + gift store
- post office + coffee stop
- returns + grocery pickup
Your nervous system will feel the difference.
✨ 3. Keep your body nourished.
A few simple supports go a long way:
- minerals (your adrenals will love you)
- NingXia Red
- peppermint + citrus oils for energy and mood
- protein-rich snacks in your bag
- deep breathing & vagus nerve resets need help with this? Be looking to my next blog post.
Holiday peace is physical and spiritual.
✨ 4. Protect your “quiet pockets.”
Even 10 minutes changes everything.
Sit in the car.
Step outside.
Turn on worship.
Pray.
Diffuse something grounding.
Reset your mind before you re-enter the noise.
Step outside.
Turn on worship.
Pray.
Diffuse something grounding.
Reset your mind before you re-enter the noise.
Quiet pockets = miracle workers.
✨ 5. Pre-prep three meals each week.
Whether it’s a pot of soup, roasted veggies, chicken, or a big salad — future-you will throw confetti in your honor.
Hungry + overwhelmed = meltdown.
Fed + supported = peace.
Fed + supported = peace.
✨ 6. Make memories, not performances.
Kids and grands don’t care about perfect tablescapes.
They care about:
They care about:
- hugs
- cookies with too many sprinkles
- pajamas
- reading the Christmas story
- being with you
Presence > presentation.
🌟 A Final Word
The holidays don’t have to boss you around.
You get to choose:
- your pace
- your priorities
- your peace
- your presence
- your joy
- your rhythms
When you release the “urgent,” you make room for the important.
The moments that matter.
The small miracles.
The people you love.
The faith that grounds you.
And the memories you’ll carry long after the ornaments are packed away.
The small miracles.
The people you love.
The faith that grounds you.
And the memories you’ll carry long after the ornaments are packed away.
Here’s to a season that feels nourishing, organized, joyful, and rooted in what truly matters.
We don’t need perfect — we need peace. 💛
We don’t need perfect — we need peace. 💛
We are in a temporary space no big traditional decorations, but closer to family because that is what matters!
A free copy of my Stay Well Guide Here
What Does “Flourishing with God” Mean to Me?
For me, flourishing with God isn't about perfection—it's about connection. It's about walking through life with Him at the center, leaning into His guidance, and experiencing a life that's rich, whole, and full of purpose.
Flourishing with God often reminds me of the word shalom, which the Bible uses to describe a deep, all-encompassing peace. It's not just the absence of conflict but a sense of wholeness, harmony, and alignment with God's design for our lives. It's living in the kind of peace that only He can give—a peace that fills every corner of our hearts and minds, no matter the circumstances. Diffusing Ylang Ylang helps me create an atmosphere that supports this sense of peace, all in an aroma.
It means growing spiritually, even through challenges. It's about aligning my heart with His will and letting His love and truth shape my thoughts, actions, and decisions. It's finding joy in His presence and peace in the knowledge that He's working in every area of my life. Applying a drop of Ylang Ylang to my wrists throughout the day reminds me to pause, breathe, and reconnect with Him.
It's also about seeing His goodness in the small things—a quiet morning prayer, a verse that speaks to my soul, or the strength He gives me to face the day. It's letting His values shine through how I love others, care for myself, and steward the gifts He's given me.
True flourishing isn't measured by worldly success but by the deep fulfillment that comes from walking in step with God. It's a life where His grace fills the gaps, His peace calms the storms, and His love overflows into everything I do. Using Ylang Ylang as part of my self-care routine is one way I show gratitude for His love and provision.
If you're longing to flourish with God, take heart. It's not about having it all figured out—it's about seeking Him daily and trusting that He'll meet you exactly where you are.
How are you choosing to flourish with God today?
Let's inspire one another to grow deeper and live fully in Him, supported by the gifts He's given us, like the soothing aroma of Ylang Ylang. 💛
In our busy, chaotic world, joy can feel elusive. We often chase happiness in temporary things, but true joy comes from something deeper: the peace of God. As Philippians 4:7 (ESV) reminds us, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace is where real joy begins—when we stop striving and trust that God is in control.
Joy Through Worship and Song
Worship is one of the most powerful ways to experience God's peace and joy. It shifts our focus from our struggles to His greatness. Psalm 16:11 (ESV) says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Whether it's through prayer, reading Scripture, or singing praises, worship draws us into His presence where joy abounds.
Singing, is also a form of worship that allows us to lift our voices and hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 (ESV) says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Singing not only brings joy to our spirits but connects us with God’s heart.
Enhancing Worship with Essential Oils
To make my worship even more intentional, I often use essential oils. Oils like frankincense or cedarwood have been used in worship throughout Scripture. Just as the priests used incense in the temple, oils can create a peaceful atmosphere for worship. Psalm 141:2 (ESV) says, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.” As I inhale the soothing scents, I am reminded that God is near and my prayers rise to Him like a fragrant offering.
Scripture and Song with Essential Oils: A Sacred Practice
Combining essential oils with Scripture reading and singing helps me enter into a deeper place of worship. It’s a reminder of the sacredness of our time with God. Exodus 30:23-25 (ESV) speaks of the anointing oils used in worship, and using them today helps us focus our hearts and minds on God.
Finding Joy in God's Presence
If you're seeking true joy, I encourage you to spend time worshiping God. Sing, pray, and use Scripture to focus on His peace. Whether you choose to incorporate essential oils or simply lift your voice in song, God’s presence will bring joy that surpasses anything this world can offer.
As Jesus said in John 14:27 (ESV), “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” In His peace, you will find true joy.
Why am I sharing this today?
........because life can be really hard and there is suffering we go through. When I focus on the peace I can have through faith. It makes each day a little easier to get through! With turmoil in our country with devastation of hurricanes. To family member passing from this world. To just living in our economy!
We have hope for finding and living with JOY!
