Let’s Do This — Ready to Build Your Kit?
Get started any way you can. And remember: your kit should fit you, not some influencer’s shelf. Be creative, be honest, and most of all—be kind to yourself.
The winter season can be a swirl of emotions—sparkly lights and warm hugs for some, a storm of noise, pressure, or loneliness for others. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, or simply the turning of the season, this space is for you.
This isn’t another “five simple tips to stay positive” post. It’s a hands-on, get-your-hands-messy survival plan. By the end, you’ll have your own Holiday Rescue Kit—a box, bag, or folder (real or digital) full of tools you need. Not someone else’s version of calm. Yours.
And if you’re a therapist, coach, or community leader, feel free to share this with anyone who might need something more personal than a one-size-fits-all holiday meme.
What’s a Holiday Rescue Kit? (And Why You Deserve One)
A Holiday Rescue Kit is what happens when you admit that:
Tough moments are normal, not a failure.
Prepping in advance is self-respect, not weakness.
For neurodivergent folks, people in recovery, anyone with trauma, or anyone with a pulse—this time of year can sneak up and wallop you. Having your own kit is like saying, “Yeah, I see you, chaos—and I’ve got backup.”
Step 1: Name Your Triggers and Needs
Journal Prompt
What takes you out at the knees during December?
Maybe it’s loud rooms, old fights, smells you can’t stand, watching others drink, isolation, or group texts gone wrong.
List the top 3–5 things that hit you hardest.
Think About:
When do you feel most “off” during the holidays?
What emotions (anger, shame, impatience, grief, jealousy) come up over and over?
What tells you you’re about to go sideways (body signs, thoughts, behaviors)?
Step 2: Your Kit = Four Kinds of Tools
We’re getting concrete now. Build your kit to include as many of these categories as you want—but remember, one size does NOT fit all.
a) Physical Tools
Stuff you can hold, touch, or do.
Fidget toys, silly putty, therapy putty
Your favorite hoodie
Weighted blanket
Comfort food (yes, even if it’s weird)
Coffee you can make yourself, not the mystery pot at your aunt’s
Tiny notebook for angry doodles
Access card for a quick walk outside
Journal Prompt: What’s something small and physical that cheers you up, grounds you, or just lets you fidget out your stress?
b) Emotional Tools
Ways to ride the wave instead of getting sucked under.
Your best “NO” script: “Hey, I need five minutes,” or “Please don’t comment on my plate, thanks.”
Self-compassion reminder: “It’s ok to struggle. Progress is progress.”
List of affirmations or reminders (write 3 that feel true right now, not from Pinterest)
Permission slip: “I’m allowed to leave early.”
A sticky note with “Call ___ if you need backup.”
Journal Prompt: If your best friend was stuck in your body during a tough moment, what would you tell them?
c) Sensory Tools
Your nervous system’s BFFs.
Noise-canceling headphones, calming music playlist
Scented hand sanitizer or essential oil roller
Chewy or crunchy snacks (soothing oral sensory)
Sunglasses or blue-light glasses
Textured fabric or stim toys
A tiny object you can hold in your fist
Journal Prompt: Which sense feels most overwhelmed during the holidays? How do you soothe it?
d) Digital Tools
Your lifelines, right in your pocket.
Favorite grounding meditation podcast
Meme stash, TikTok playlist, or calming videos
DM-able friends group
Emergency funny GIFs
Coping skills list in your notes app
Instant “Get Me Out of Here” text template (“Emergency, need to go—will explain later”)
Journal Prompt: What digital supports do you actually use—not just wish you did?
P.S. — Don’t Forget: Your Digital Support Network Includes Real People (Including Me!)
Just a quick reminder—your digital toolkit isn’t just funny memes and soothing playlists. It’s also actual connection with other humans, even when you feel isolated.
Your girl here works on several platforms designed for real, judgment-free support:
CleanCircle.io – Find peer support groups from all over the country, connect with recovery coaches from around the world, and even try pro bono recovery coach sessions. There are affordable coaching options, too, or just show up to connect, track your sober date, and get a daily dose of inspiration.
IGNTD.com – Build your recovery in a truly shame-free, nonjudgmental space. You’ll find professional support, accountability sessions, and live virtual groups that actually get it. It’s not just about the hard stuff—sometimes you just need a community that gets you.
The best part? Platforms like these are connecting us in ways we never could have imagined. You can reach out, get help, or just show up—and I’m there if you need me. Come find me. You’re not alone.
Step 3: Assemble & Test Your Kit
Find a box, bag, folder, or app. No need to wait for a crisis—start now. Cleancircle.io is free and just relaunched! Also IGNTD.com is another place where you can build your program and connect with an amazing community and ME too! I am also a coach on both of these platforms so feel free to reach out to connect with me!
Physically gather what you already have.
Bookmark those digital links.
Write out at least two scripts (you’ll thank yourself later).
Test drive: Try one part this week, even if you aren’t struggling. Adjust as needed. If something feels silly or useless, scrap it and find something better.
Step 4: Workshop and Share (Challenge!)
We learn more from each other than from any “expert tips.” Let’s make this communal:
Drop a photo, list, or quick story of your Holiday Rescue Kit in the comments.
Get advice, share ideas, and celebrate creative, outside-the-box solutions.
Bonus: Post your kit anytime in December in our char to be entered to win a FREE year of paid Progress Is Progress. Winner announced in January after the holiday dust settles.
Final Thoughts — For Anyone Who Struggles
If you struggle with addiction, recovery, mental health, neurodivergence, or just hate the “bright and merry” pressure, you aren’t alone. Your brain and body deserve backup this month.
This kit isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, even when things are messy, weird, or hard.
Let’s Do This — Ready to Build Your Kit?
Get started any way you can. And remember: your kit should fit you, not some influencer’s shelf. Be creative, be honest, and most of all—be kind to yourself.
Progress is progress.
So good to be prepared for a potentially challenging period. Great advice!