The winter holidays are magical—a time of joy, togetherness, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos. Families come together with all their quirks, personalities, and, yes, opinions. It’s the season of laughter, love, and sometimes a few awkward moments. But when approached with a dash of humor, a whole lot of kindness, and some thoughtful planning, you can create a holiday season full of love and lasting memories.
Here’s my guide to handling family relationships during the holidays, inspired by years of trial, error, and a lot of laughter.
1. Leave Politics at the Door
Let’s just agree: politics and family dinners are a combination best avoided. The holidays should be a refuge from the divisiveness of the world, a time to celebrate what connects us rather than what divides us. If a political topic arises, channel your inner diplomat: smile, nod, and redirect the conversation. “Speaking of debates, who remembers the great family Monopoly showdown of 2018?” works wonders.
2. Treat Your Family Like They’re Your Best Friends
Think about how you treat your best friends—with extra love, kindness, and understanding. Why not extend the same courtesy to family members? Yes, even the ones who have a knack for asking if you’ve gained weight before they say hello.
When you approach everyone with warmth and generosity, it sets the tone for a peaceful, joyful celebration. This doesn’t mean ignoring bad behavior but choosing to respond with grace. If Aunt Marge critiques your outfit, smile and reply, “Good thing the holidays are about love, not fashion shows.”
3. Cater the Main Meal: Less Stress, More Fun
Gone are the days of slaving over a hot stove for hours while everyone else mingles and sips wine. My holiday game-changer? I cater the main meal.
The day before the holiday, I order from a local restaurant—turkey, sides, the works. Then, I whip up a couple of appetizers and desserts (because let’s face it, we all have that one signature dish we can’t resist showing off). This leaves me more time to socialize, play games, and actually enjoy the holiday.
The best part? I look better and feel better. No more sweating in the kitchen, hair frizzed to oblivion, and makeup melted off before anyone arrives. I’m relaxed, composed, and ready to make the most of the day.
4. Plan Fun Activities to Maximize Quality Time
The holidays aren’t just about the food—it’s the experiences that make them memorable. Here are some ideas to make the most of your time together:
• Family Games:Nothing brings out the competitive spirit like a round of charades, trivia, or Uno. Bonus points if you have a prize for the winner (even if it’s just bragging rights).
• A Holiday Movie Marathon: Pop some popcorn, throw on matching pajamas, and watch the classics. Everyone loves a good laugh over Home Alone.
• Take a Walk Together: After the meal, bundle up and head outside for a walk. It’s a great way to burn off those mashed potatoes and reconnect in a relaxed setting.
• DIY Photo Booth: Set up a corner with holiday props and let everyone get silly. Trust me, even the grumpiest uncle can’t resist a pair of reindeer antlers.
5. Be Mindful of What You Say (Especially with Siblings!)
Ah, siblings. They can be your greatest allies and, occasionally, your toughest critics. In my family, we’ve learned to tread lightly around certain topics, and I make a conscious effort to stay mindful of my words and actions.
If a tense moment arises, I remind myself: this is about love, not winning an argument. Humor is my secret weapon here. If a conversation gets heated, I’ll crack a joke or shift the focus to something lighthearted.
And remember, siblings can be brutal—but they’re also your lifelong cheerleaders. A little extra kindness and understanding go a long way.
6. Capture the Moments: Take Pictures and Videos
The holidays are fleeting, but memories last forever. I make it a point to take lots of photos and videos throughout the day. Capture the laughter, the hugs, and even the funny mishaps (like when the dog steals a piece of turkey).
After the holiday, I love creating a simple family video montage. A couple of days after Christmas, I text it to everyone as a little surprise gift. It’s a sweet way to relive the joy and keep the holiday spirit alive just a little longer.
7. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Let’s be real—holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between hosting, gift shopping, and keeping the peace, it’s easy to stretch yourself too thin. That’s why setting boundaries is crucial.
If you need a moment to yourself, take it. If you’d rather skip a certain tradition or conversation, feel free to politely decline. The key is to communicate with love: “I’m going to step out for a bit, but I’ll be back for dessert!” or “Let’s save that story for another time.”
8. Celebrate the Joy of Togetherness
When it comes down to it, the holidays are about celebrating the love and connection that family brings. Even with the quirks, misunderstandings, and occasional chaos, these moments are precious.
Instead of focusing on what’s not perfect, celebrate what is. The laughter during dinner, the hugs at the door, the shared stories—these are the memories that matter.
9. Bonus: A Holiday Checklist for a Stress-Free Season
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your holidays stress-free and full of joy:
1. Plan Ahead: Order catering, finalize the guest list, and set a schedule for the day.
2. Delegate Tasks: Let family members help with decorating, setting the table, or bringing drinks.
3. Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Light candles, play holiday music, and keep the vibe warm and inviting.
4. Focus on Connection:Spend time talking, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
5. Keep Things Simple:Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about togetherness.
A Holiday to Remember
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be magical. With a little humor, a lot of love, and some thoughtful planning, you can create a season that’s full of joy and meaningful connections.
So this year, let’s leave the stress behind and focus on what truly matters: family, laughter, and the moments that make life beautiful. And don’t forget—if all else fails, there’s always wine.
Happy holidays, my friends! Here’s to a season filled with love, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime.
THINGS I AM LOVING LATELY
I want to share a few things I have been doing in my own life lately that are honestly making me feel so much better. Healthier. Calmer. More organized. More glowy. Just more like me.
Because I really do believe that a glow-up is built through tiny daily habits. Tiny shifts. Tiny rituals that slowly change how you feel.
THING ONE: My 10-Minute Morning Stretch Ritual
Nothing extreme. Nothing complicated. I just spend about ten minutes stretching in the morning before I do anything else.
And it has helped so much with morning stiffness, with my energy, with my posture, and honestly even with my mood. Women over 40 really need mobility work. Our bodies want movement and circulation and care, especially first thing in the morning.
THING TWO: A Capsule Pantry System
Okay this one sounds more boring than it is. But it has honestly changed the way I eat and the way I feel during the week.
Basically I keep a set of healthy staple foods stocked at all times. Brown rice. Quinoa. Whole grain or protein pasta. Beans. Sugar-free marinara sauce. Tuna packets. Canned salmon. Oatmeal. Greek yogurt. Frozen vegetables. Berries. Nuts. Sparkling water.
THING THREE: Organizing My Fridge by Zones
Okay I know this sounds random. But hear me out, because this has helped me so much.
I set up little sections in my fridge. One area for proteins. One for fruits and vegetables. One for grab-and-go snacks. One for drinks. One for meal prep containers.
Now I actually see the healthy food I bought instead of forgetting about it in the back until it expires. Cooking during the week feels calmer. Meal prep is easier.
THING FOUR: A Cuticle Oil Habit
Okay last one, and it is the smallest one. But I love it so much.
I keep cuticle oil and hand lotion sitting right on my desk at work. And during the day, during a little break, I apply both. That is it. That is the whole habit.
But it makes me feel polished and cared for throughout the day. It is a tiny little signal I send to myself that says — you matter. You deserve to feel nice today.
Set a Big Goal — Then Break It All the Way Down
I have a big goal. I know exactly where I am going. And I have written it down.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
AM exercise
Midlife movement
Move your body
Walking for weight loss
Midlife Glow Up
Glow Up Tips
Healthy Lifestyle
Loosing Weight in Midlife
Over 40 Weight Loss
Women and Weight Loss
Soon to be an empty nester. The funny things our grown kids do.
#womenover40 womenover40 #boymomforlife #emptynesterlife
Midlife reinvention
Midlife awakening
Over 40 life
Mom life
It`s not a midlife crisis, it`s a midlife glow up.
🆙!
Ready for summer and cruising in the sunny Cleveland weather.
1984 Chevrolet Corvette (c4).
Convertible
Ready for summer
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
AM exercise
Midlife movement
Move your body
Walking for weight loss
Midlife Glow Up
Glow Up Tips
Healthy Lifestyle
Loosing Weight in Midlife
Over 40 Weight Loss
Women and Weight Loss
These actions contributed most to my mindset shift and overall midlife glow up.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindse
How to change your beliefs in life to live more consciously with your chosen purpose and goals with a growth, mindset and a sense happiness.
1. Develop keen and accurate self-awareness.
2. Develop an accurate self-concept.
3. Be truthful to yourself and tell others the truth.
4. Make the connection between current choices and future results.
5. Behave in ways that are for your best interest.
6. Become self protective and self-determined.
Remember any new habit is difficult until we practice it which then it becomes easy. When you shift your mindset and belief system, you will end up creating new habits. You may experience a decrease in comfort level and a sense of security. There may be an experience in increased in anxiety. You will make mistakes and other people may react negatively to your shift in beliefs.
Once you change your beliefs and develop a growth mindset, you will be more self-responsible, more honest with more integrity, more self caring with more set boundaries. You will be able to identify your core values and personal desires. You will make more conscious choices. You will reprogram your subconscious mind. And then you will live a life of joy and happiness and self fulfillment.
I have applied this to my own life and I`ve learned this through getting a life, coaching certification and reading numerous books and assisting women over 40 who are looking to upgrade glow up and improve their lives by becoming one percent better every day.
Make it a great day, friends!
Love, Jax
Listen Now:
The Midlife GLOWGETTER podcast
Apple, Spotify + more...
Skipping snacks sounded impossible until I learned what “hunger” actually is. Real hunger vs desire vs craving changes everything. Want the exact chart and habits I use for midlife weight loss? Listen now and tell me which one you’ll try?
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
✨🌞 Early AM stretching before kettle ball, dumbbells, vibration plate and walking.
♥️ Schedule it. Protect it. Show up for it every week.
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
AM exercise
Midlife movement
Move your body
Body stretching
Bending
Get an Accountability Partner — and Actually Time-Block Your Check-Ins if you are on a weight loss journey.
I have an accountability partner, actually two accountability partners. And we do not just casually text here and there and hope for the best. We actually time-block our check-ins. We schedule them. We put them in our calendars like real appointments. We connect at least once a week — sometimes in person, sometimes a phone call, sometimes a message — but it is consistent and it is planned.
Your accountability partner should be someone who is genuinely supportive but also honest with you. Someone who celebrates your wins AND holds space when things are hard without just telling you what you want to hear.
Schedule it. Protect it. Show up for it every week.
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
🌸 Know your reasons why you want to loose weight. Write them down and read them throughout the day.
👍 Like and follow for more midlife, over 40 women`s wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle inspiration.
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
🌸 My 4 Habits, Non-negotiables I`m applying to my life and dream life upgrade.
10 Min. Morning Stretching Everyday
My Capsule Pantry System
My Fridge By Zones
Cuticle Oil Everyday
Simple but not stupid.
I`m building a new dream life and these daily glow ups habits and rituals are helping me get there.
Everyday I try new things to grow and improve and upgrade my midlife lifestyle.
I am on a mission to recreate my dream life over 40.
It is never too late. You can create anything you want with focus, energy and a growth mindset with a positive attitude.
Love,
Jax
#womenover40
#midlifewomen
#dailyglowdrops
midlifeglowup
reinventyourlife
Midlife Journey
Healthy lifestyle
Midlife glow up
Midlife women
Wellbeing
Weight loss Journey
Women over 50
Life lessons
reinvent yourself
midlife glow up
empowerment for women
mindset shift
new chapter energy
Change your life
Growth mindset
Positive attitude
Ever changing
Gen X
Life coaching
Dream life
✨ Read the book You are a Badass, By Jen Sincero.
Published in 2013
Great read for women over 40…
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
10 pounds down in 3 weeks at 48 with PCOS and perimenopause, no meds. Total of 191 lbs in 4 years. The twist: the biggest change happened before food and workouts. Want the 14 mindset practices that made it stick? What would you try first?
Listen Now:
The Midlife GLOWGETTER podcast
Apple, Spotify + more...
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
weight loss journey
Midlife weight loss
Over 40 weight loss
Natural weight loss
♥️ A little about me...
#welcometomyworld #reintroduction #letmeintroducemyself
Reinvention isn’t luck. It’s a choice made in a quiet moment of honesty.
Save this Glow Drop for the days you forget your power.
Follow for midlife glow up inspiration and motivation.
Dress linked in bio in my Amazon shop.
Love,
Jax
#womenover40
#midlifewomen
#dailyglowdrops
midlifeglowup
reinventyourlife
Midlife Journey
Healthy lifestyle
Midlife glow up
Midlife women
Wellbeing
Weight loss Journey
Women over 50
Life lessons
reinvent yourself
midlife glow up
empowerment for women
mindset shift
new chapter energy
OOTD
Fashion over 40
Midlife style
Plus size fashion
Summer fashion
Plus size dress
Amazon fashion
✨Every single day is a new page…
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
✨ Read the book You are a Badass, By Jen Sincero.
Published in 2013
Great read for women over 40…
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
Growth Mindset
New Podcast Episode!!!
"Why your 40s is the best age to finally put your health first!"
Your 40s aren’t a deadline. They’re a turning point. We talk heart health, bone density, muscle, brain fog, and simple shifts that actually work in midlife. Hit play and tell me: what’s one habit you’re starting this week?
Plus...
Seven May glow-ups that don’t require a new life: park walks, budget check-in, seasonal meals, hair refresh, nails, and more. Plus a free skincare ritual from my guide. Press play. Which glow-up sounds most like you?
The Midlife GLOWGETTER podcast
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifewomen
#wellnessjourney
Midlife Journey
Healthy lifestyle
Midlife glow up
Midlife women
Wellbeing
Weight loss Journey
Podcast Episode
✨ Reading the book You are a Bad Ass, By Jen Sincero.
This is a key point in the book that I learned.
Life Coaching
Life Lessons
Mindset Practices
Midlife Women
Women over 40
Women over 50
Midlife journey
Midlife awakening
Midlife reinvention
Real talk
Growth mindset
Daily motivation
Daily inspiration
Beliefs
Wellness Journey
Wellbeing
I love a packed morning routine before work. Really sets up my day.
Wake
Red light
Stretch
Kettle ball
Battle ropes
Diastastis Recti
Skincare
Hair
Dress
Walk
Journal
News
I fast till 12 so no breakfast. Just water & espresso.
Comment and let me know your favorite morning routine practice!
Follow for midlife glow up inspiration and motivation.
Love,
Jax
#womenover40
#midlifewomen
#wellnessjourney
Midlife Journey
Healthy lifestyle
Midlife glow up
Midlife women
Wellbeing
Weight loss Journey
Women over 50
Morning Routine
Morning workouts
Life lessons
Morning walk
Journal
