Your Priority Centered Life

Stop Holiday Overwhelm: How to Build a Calmer December

Alise Murray, PhD Season 2 Episode 61

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Planning Your Holiday Calendar Without Losing Your Mind (Holiday Series Part 1)

If you’re already feeling that familiar December overwhelm creeping in, friend… this episode is for you.

The calendar invites are rolling in, school events are multiplying, the gift list keeps getting longer, and somehow you’re supposed to create “holiday magic” while still living your regular life? No wonder your nervous system is screaming, “TOO MUCH.”

In this first episode of my three-part holiday series, we’re breaking down why December feels so intense (spoiler: it’s not you — it’s the emotional, mental, and logistical avalanche), and how intentional planning becomes the antidote.

Because when you don’t design your holiday season, other people’s expectations will do it for you. And that is how you end up exhausted, resentful, and snapping at your kids halfway through making Christmas cookies.

Let’s not do that this year.
Let’s build a season that actually feels good.

Inside this episode, I walk you through:


✨ Setting a personal vision for what you want this season to feel like
✨ Getting honest about what’s truly essential vs. what’s optional
✨ A simple partner (or solo!) brainstorming process to map out your holiday possibilities
✨ Rating each activity so you can focus on what matters most
✨ Spotting the events that drain your energy — and how to handle them with kindness
✨ Creating a calendar that includes realistic commitments and plenty of white space
✨ Why “every yes is a no to something else” becomes your guiding mantra

This episode will help you reclaim your capacity, protect your energy, and actually enjoy the parts of the holidays you love… instead of climbing the walls with overwhelm.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The real reason holiday stress hits so hard (it’s not a personal weakness)
  • Why “winging it” is the quickest path to seasonal burnout
  • How to set a holiday vision grounded in your own needs
  • A step-by-step planning process you can use with a partner or on your own
  • How to build a calendar that honors your energy instead of draining it
  • The power of white space and daily decompression
  • How to cut commitments with kindness
  • Why intentional planning helps you show up as a calmer, more connected version of yourself

Your Next Steps:

Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.

The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.