The twinkling lights are up along Town Center Drive, the Park Place tree is glowing, and the scent of cinnamon and pine seems to follow you everywhere. Leawood in December is undeniably magical; but for many of us, that magic comes with a side of exhaustion, anxiety, and family tension that can feel anything but festive.
If you’re already counting down the days until January 2nd, you’re not alone. Holiday stress is real, and living in a beautiful, high-expectation community like Leawood can actually amplify it. Between neighborhood progressive dinners, school performances, corporate holiday parties, and the pressure to create “perfect” memories, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes before the turkey is even carved.
At True Self Counseling, we see this every year. The phones start ringing in early November with clients who love the holidays in theory but feel overwhelmed in practice. The good news? You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the season. Here are proven, practical ways to protect your peace while still enjoying everything Leawood has to offer.
1. Name It to Tame It
Anxiety loves secrecy. The moment you admit, “I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the expectations,” the grip loosens. Try saying it out loud to a trusted friend or even in the notes app on your phone. Naming the feeling is the first step to managing it.
2. Set Boundaries Like Your Sanity Depends on It (Because It Does)
Leawood culture is wonderfully social, but saying “yes” to every cookie exchange, ugly sweater party, and HOA gathering can leave you depleted.
Practical scripts that actually work:
- “We’d love to see you, but we’re keeping weekends light this year so we can recharge. Can we plan a January brunch instead?”
- “I can only stay for an hour; I have an early morning commitment.” (You don’t owe anyone the details.)
- “We’re doing a smaller Christmas this year and focusing on experiences over gifts.”
Remember: Every “no” to someone else is a “yes” to your mental health.
3. Create a Stress Relief Menu
When you feel the tension rising, have a short list of immediate calming activities that are literally minutes from your doorstep:
- 15-minute mindful minutes on the Tomahawk Creek Trail (even when it’s cold; bundle up and notice the bare trees and quiet)
- A slow loop through the Gezer Park sculpture garden
- Window-shopping and people-watching at Park Place with a hot drink from Made in KC Café
- Sitting in your car in the quiet Ironwoods Park parking lot with your favorite playlist for 10 minutes between errands
These micro-doses of calm are often more effective than waiting for a full “self-care day” that never comes.
4. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule for Holiday Commitments
For every new event you add to the calendar, remove or delegate something else. Hosting the neighborhood party this year? Skip the office potluck. Volunteering at the Leawood Holiday Boutique? Let the kids pick one extracurricular to pause in December.
5. Practice the 4-7-8 Breath in the Town Center Plaza Parking Lot
Dr. Andrew Weil’s research-backed technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Do four rounds while sitting in your car after battling for a parking spot. It down-regulates your nervous system faster than venting to the group chat.
6. Reframe Family Tension Before It Starts
If certain relatives trigger you every year, have a plan:
- Decide in advance which topics are off-limits
- Use a neutral phrase like, “Let’s not go there tonight; tell me about your new puppy instead”
- Assign yourself a role that keeps you busy and away from hot-button conversations (official photographer, drink refiller, kid wrangler)
7. Anchor Yourself with a Daily 3-Minute Mindfulness Practice
Even on the busiest days, most of us can find three minutes. Try this practice:
Close your eyes and take three slow breaths. Then silently name:
- Name 3 things you can hear right now (maybe distant traffic on 135th, a neighbor’s wind chimes, your own heartbeat)
- Name 2 things you can smell (pine tree, coffee, cold air)
- Name 1 thing you’re grateful for in this moment
This tiny ritual brings you back to the present and reminds you that you’re safe, even when Aunt Karen is asking why you’re “still” single.
You Don’t Have to Do the Holidays Perfectly; Just Authentically
The most memorable moments in Leawood this season probably won’t be the perfectly decorated house or the flawless prime rib. They’ll be the quiet walk under the lights at Park Place with someone you love, or laughing with your kids as you burn the Christmas cookies together.
If the season still feels heavier than it should, that’s okay too. Reaching out for support isn’t a sign you’re failing at the holidays; it’s a sign you’re serious about enjoying them.
At True Self Counseling, we’re here through the entire season (yes, even the week between Christmas and New Year’s) for in-person sessions in Leawood or virtual if you’re traveling. Many of our clients find that just a session or two in November or December helps them stay grounded and actually look forward to the festivities.
You deserve a holiday season that feels as warm on the inside as Leawood looks on the outside.
Ready for extra support this season? Schedule a session today right here or call (913) 991-3974. Your future January self will thank you.