Carole Jean Whittington’s Post

The holiday season is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” right? And let’s be honest— sometimes it feels like a never-ending sprint instead. 🎅 Between last-minute work deadlines, Christmas lunch prep, gift shopping, and juggling social invites, it’s easy to feel like the magic is slipping away. But here’s the good news—you can take back control and find your calm. 🎄 1️⃣ 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻. Think of your tasks like decorating the Christmas tree. Start with the big must-do tasks (those ornaments that make the tree), move on to the nice-to-haves (tinsel if you have time), and let go of the unnecessary (sorry, glitter bombs). Prioritising helps lighten the load. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻. You’re not Rudolph—you don’t have to guide everyone’s sleigh. Boundaries are your best gift this season. Politely decline extra tasks, social events, or anything that stretches you too thin. Your energy is precious. 3️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆. Whether it’s sipping your favourite drink under a fan (I live in sunny Aus - this is a holiday must), a walk with your headphones on, or taking a moment to belt out 'All I Want for Christmas Is You', small resets help you refocus and re-energise. You don’t need to do everything to make it a special season. Focus on the must-dos, enjoy the nice-to-dos, and let go of the rest. 👉 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵-𝘥𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺? Share it below—I’m cheering for you this holiday season! 🎁 #ChristmasTips #HolidayHustle #StayCalm #BoundariesMatter #EndOfYearStress #MindfulLiving #FocusOnWhatMatters #TracyGanduCoach

🎄 Feeling Overwhelmed by Holiday Chaos? 🎄 Ever feel like the holidays are running you instead of the other way around? Between the gift-giving, the parties, the to-do lists, and the constant pull of expectations, it’s easy to lose yourself in the whirlwind of “holiday cheer.” Here’s the thing: not every holiday season feels the same. Some years are harder, and some are easier. Every holiday reflects the life stage we’re in. It’s unrealistic to think we can recreate the same magic of Christmas every year when our circumstances and emotions shift so much. ✨ Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, and the holidays feel a little emptier. ✨ Maybe you’re navigating the end of a relationship or rediscovering yourself. ✨ Maybe your kids have grown, and the once-bustling house feels too quiet. ✨ Or maybe you’re in a more festive stage—new relationships, new family members, or lots of joyful moments to celebrate. Whatever stage you’re in, the magic comes from being present for all of it—the joy, the messiness, and even the fleeting moments. Give yourself permission to feel it all. ✨ Quick Tip to Reclaim Your Holiday Peace: Practice self-care. Say YES to what brings you joy. Say a kind but firm "No, thank you" to what doesn’t serve you. You don’t have to do everything to make the season meaningful. Focus on connection, honor where you are, and create space for the magic—big or small—to find you. What’s one thing you’ll do today to find peace and joy in this stage of life? Share below—I’d love to hear from you. #MindsetMatters #HolidayWellness #OverwhelmToEase #MileOneCoaching #IntentionalLiving

🌟 To all the holiday moms out there—I see you! 🌟 You’re the glue holding it all together this season—making magic happen with late-night wrapping sessions, secret shopping trips, and countless mental notes about school concerts, cookie swaps, and who likes marshmallows in their hot chocolate. 🍪☕ I know how hard it is to make it all look effortless, even when your to-do list feels never-ending. And let’s be honest—while the holidays are full of joy, they can also feel overwhelming for moms trying to balance all the things. So here’s your reminder: You’re doing an incredible job. The messy moments, the imperfect traditions, and even the “oops, we forgot batteries” mishaps? They’re what make your family’s holidays real and unforgettable. Take a moment for yourself amid the chaos—whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee before the house wakes up or a late-night glass of wine after the stockings are hung. 🕯️🍷 You deserve it. From one mom to another: You’re seen, you’re loved, and you’re making magic. 💖 What’s your favorite part of the holiday season (or the one thing you’d love to delegate)? Let’s share a laugh or a sigh—we’re in this together. ✨🎄 #MomLife #HolidayMoms #MakingMagic #HeartOfTheSeason #YouveGotThis

The downhill run to Christmas is here! 🎄 It’s that time of year when everything speeds up—wrapping up work projects, attending festive events, and trying to find the perfect gift (because socks and candles again just won’t cut it). For many of us, the finish line isn’t just about closing out 2024; it’s about reconnecting with family and friends, indulging in some well-earned rest, and soaking up the holiday cheer. I know I’m counting down the days to put my feet up, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the little moments that make this season special. But amidst all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about staying safe. Whether you’re tackling the last-minute shopping rush, hitting the road to visit family, or simply managing the chaos of the season, remember to take a breather. Stress, fatigue, and distractions can sneak up on us when we’re moving too fast. Let’s end the year on a high note—rested, joyful, and safe. How are you preparing for the Christmas break? Got any tips for staying organized (or sane)? I’d love to hear how you’re balancing the hustle and the holiday spirit! #ChristmasCountdown #HolidaySeason #StaySafe #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyTime

The most wonderful time of the year… or is it? 🎅🎄 For some of us, Christmas can feel more like ‘the most overwhelming time of the year.’ From the endless to-do lists to sensory overload, the festive season can take a toll. So, how can we support ourselves and others during this hectic time? 🔹 Set boundaries - You don’t have to say YES to every invitation. Choose what feels manageable for you. 🔹 Embrace routine - Little rituals, like a quiet coffee in the morning or a walk before bed, can ground you amidst the chaos. 🔹 Offer grace - For managers and colleagues, remember that productivity might look different in December - and that’s okay. It’s not about avoiding Christmas (unless you want to of course!) - it’s about finding ways to navigate it in a way that works for best for you. #ChristmasOverwhelm #SelfCare #Neurodiversity #DivergentConsulting

Would You Rather… Wednesdays Would you rather have endless holiday cheer or peace and quiet? The holidays bring a special kind of magic. The laughter of family gathered around the table, the excitement of kids opening gifts, and the warmth of shared traditions—all part of the endless cheer we treasure this time of year. But as a parent, I’ve also come to appreciate the gift of peace and quiet: the moments when the world slows down, and we can pause, reflect, and just be. Life is about balance. Holiday cheer fills our hearts with joy and togetherness, but peace and quiet help us recharge and remember why those moments matter so much. It’s in the stillness that we find clarity, and in the cheer that we build connections. This season, I’m reminding myself—and my kids—that it’s okay to embrace both. Let the laughter fill the house, but also make time to sit by the fire, take a deep breath, and soak in the love around you. Whether you find your joy in the hustle or the quiet, what truly matters is the people we share it with. Family, love, and connection are the constants that make this season shine. What about you—do you prefer endless cheer or peaceful moments? #WouldYouRather #HolidayBalance #FamilyFirst #LoveAndConnection #WednesdaysWithWisdom

This year, instead of running yourself ragged trying to please everyone during the holidays, how about doing something for you?   I’ve seen it so often - Christmas becomes this chaotic, stressful event where everything has to be perfect. The presents. The meals. The family gatherings.   But what happens? Tensions boil over. You end up visiting people out of obligation, putting up with nosy questions or judgmental comments, and by the end of it, you’re too drained to enjoy anything.   Why? Why is this the norm? Why are we okay with sacrificing our peace and happiness for a picture-perfect holiday?   Here’s a thought: What if, this year, you created YOUR Christmas?   A season where you decide what’s meaningful, what’s worth your energy, and what traditions actually bring you joy. A holiday where your wellbeing comes first.   And if you’re ready to start, I’ve got just the thing for you:   🎄 Dutchscaping 12 Days of Christmas 🎄 Enjoy a series of 12 daily emails filled with ✨ Simple and joyful exercises to help you feel grounded and present ✨ Mindful practices to ease holiday stress ✨ Creative ways to strengthen connections with loved ones ✨ Reflective journaling prompts to celebrate 2024 and envision 2025 ✨ Actionable self-care ideas to prioritize YOU during this busy season   💌 This free email series starts December 13. Treat yourself to tools and ideas that will make this season calmer, more joyful, and more yours. https://lnkd.in/e3xrwTWr

🎄 Slowing Down & Being Kind to Ourselves This Holiday Season 🎄 As some of us come off the joy and gratitude of Thanksgiving, it’s tempting to dive headfirst into the whirlwind of holiday prep, parties, and end-of-year activities. But amidst all the fun and excitement, let’s take a moment to pause. 💆♀️ The next few weeks will be packed with trips, gatherings, and memory-making moments with friends and family. It’s easy to lose sight of self-care in the hustle, but slowing down can make all the difference. Prioritising rest, setting boundaries, and being kind to ourselves isn’t just an indulgence - it’s a necessity. And while we’re thinking about care, let’s not forget about financial wellbeing. The holidays can come with added pressure to spend, but thoughtful planning and mindful choices can help ensure we step into the new year feeling empowered, not stretched. Let’s cherish this season for the joy it brings - not for how fast we can check off our to-do lists. 💖 #Wellbeing #festiveseason #selfcare #mindfulness #financialwellbeing

🎄 Christmas Your Way: Relax and Enjoy the Holidays Without Stress! 🎁 🙏 Christmas is a time when we often feel burdened not only by responsibilities but also by expectations from family, society—and often, ourselves. If you feel like you're experiencing chaos instead of joy, know that you're not alone. It's perfectly okay to do Christmas differently. 🚪 People who aren’t afraid to say no to overwhelming holiday activities tend to be happier and experience less anxiety. 🧘♀️ 68% of people realize during the holidays that they don’t give themselves enough time. 52% of them report increased irritability because of it. 🎉 New traditions? Why not! According to a Harvard study, new rituals reduce tension and bring joy. 🎬 A practical example: Baking every type of cookie, visiting every relative, perfectly tidying up your home—these yearly holiday routines can easily become overwhelming. Skipping certain baked goods? That’s OK. Skipping some visits? That’s OK. Dividing household tasks or creating a new holiday tradition unique to your family can bring more peace to your home. 💡 Ask yourself: What truly brings me joy during Christmas? What do I do just because it's "expected"? What new tradition could I introduce this year? When will I set aside time just for myself during the holidays? Which traditions genuinely make me happy, and which ones feel like a burden? 💡 Coaching can help you: Discover what truly matters to you. Find balance between obligations and joy. Create new traditions that energize you. Sign up for coaching and learn how to be kind to yourself during the holidays (and beyond). 💬 With coaching, you’ll find a way to do things your way—guilt-free. 📩 Message us to reserve your spot today! 💬 What brings you the most joy during Christmas? ✨ Give yourself the gift of peace and time for yourself this year. After all, Christmas is about joy, not perfection. 💛 🎯 Want to enjoy a stress-free holiday season and start listening to your needs more? #ChristmasYourWay #Coaching #PersonalGrowth #HappyHolidays #ChristmasStress #SelfCare #EmotionalWellness #JoyfulLiving #PeacefulChristmas #LiveYourWay #EmotionsAreOK #NewTraditions #HolidayCoaching #Balance #MentalHealth #StressFreeChristmas