What Your Family Wants More Than a Martha Stewart Christmas
The holidays are here. For many of us, this season feels less like Silent Night and more like Survival Mode.
As lawyers, parents, and professionals, the pressure to deliver—both at work and at home—can feel overwhelming. The calendar is packed, the deadlines are looming, and somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves that we need to orchestrate a picture-perfect holiday experience for everyone around us.
But here’s the truth: Perfect isn’t real. And it’s not what matters.
In a recent episode of the Powerhouse Lawyers Podcast, I shared my approach to navigating the holiday chaos without losing your mind—or your joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s expectations, this is for you.
Here are the three strategies I’m using this season to reclaim peace, focus on what truly matters, and actually enjoy the holidays:
1️⃣ Write It Down
The mental to-do list can be a major source of anxiety. When everything lives in your head, it’s easy to feel paralyzed by the sheer volume of it all.
Instead, I recommend a brain dump. Write down everything—from work deadlines to holiday tasks to personal goals. Then, divide your list into three categories:
- Must-Do’s: These are your non-negotiables, the tasks you have to complete.
- Maybes: These are nice-to-haves, but not mission-critical.
- Eliminate: Be honest about what doesn’t need to happen this year.
Getting it all out on paper (or in a digital document) turns an overwhelming list of demands into actionable priorities.
2️⃣ Delegate & Eliminate
You don’t have to do it all. Really.
This year, I’m embracing delegation with open arms. Whether it’s outsourcing Christmas lights, assigning holiday travel plans to my husband, or asking my kids to pitch in, I’m letting go of the belief that I need to handle everything.
And if a task doesn’t add meaning or value to my life? It’s gone.
Not a fan of baking cookies? Buy them. Overwhelmed by holiday cards? Skip them this year. Freeing yourself from the “shoulds” creates space for what truly matters.
3️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion
Let’s be clear: Your kids won’t remember whether the wrapping paper matched the stockings.
They’ll remember you.
They’ll remember if you were present, joyful, and engaged. They’ll remember the moments of connection—sitting by the tree, laughing over hot cocoa, or watching holiday movies together.
Give yourself the gift of self-compassion this season. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Let go of perfection and focus on being present.
A Personal Reflection
In years past, I’ve allowed the holidays to overwhelm me. I took it all on, convinced that the “perfect holiday” was my responsibility. But looking back, I realize the pressure I placed on myself robbed me of the very joy I was trying to create.
This year, I’m choosing differently.
I’m focusing on what matters. I’m embracing the chaos as part of the season. And I’m letting go of the guilt, the comparison, and the unrealistic expectations.
Your Permission Slip
If you’re feeling the holiday pressure, this is your permission slip:
- You don’t have to be Martha Stewart.
- You can delegate, eliminate, and simplify.
- You are allowed to enjoy this season without guilt.
Write it down. Delegate it out. Show yourself some grace.
Let’s thrive through the holidays together.
xo, Erin
About the Author: About the Author: Erin Gerner is a lawyer turned speaker, coach, entrepreneur, and host of the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast. She helps female lawyers step into their power, break through limiting beliefs, and build lives they can’t wait to wake up for. Learn more about her coaching programs and schedule an obligation free strategy call with her here.
