The holidays are the heartbeat of many Latina households, filled with music, food, and familia. But let’s be real: it’s also a season that can leave us feeling drained. Whether it’s prepping for Noche Buena with endless tamales, whipping up pasteles, perfecting your tía’s famous pernil recipe, or even trying that trending TikTok coquito hack, the pressure to get it all done can feel like too much. And as a Latina—especially in today’s hustle culture—it’s easy to forget that you deserve to enjoy the season, not just survive it.

Enter proud Texan Mexicana Robyn Moreno, whose journey from burnt-out #momlife to spiritual renewal offers a roadmap for reclaiming peace. In her book Get Rooted, Robyn blends ancestral practices with practical advice, drawing on her experience as a media executive, meditation teacher, and modern-day curandera. Her teachings remind us that balance, joy, and connection are within reach, even in the busiest of seasons.

This holiday, let’s take a cue from Robyn and approach holiday season and beyond with intention, grace, and a little less stress. Here’s how to keep your energy intact while embracing the moments that truly matter.

1. Set Intentions, Not Perfection
As Latinas, many of us carry the unspoken pressure to create picture-perfect holidays. The sparkling decorations, the flawless lechón, the festive playlist that seamlessly transitions from Tití Me Preguntó to Mi Burrito Sabanero—it can feel like a production. But Robyn teaches us that perfection isn’t the goal. “I learned to focus on what truly mattered and let go of the rest,” she shares.

Practical Tip: Before the holiday whirlwind begins, pause and reflect. How do you want this season to feel? Maybe it’s about slowing down, deepening connections, or making space for joy. Write down one or two intentions—like cherishing small moments with loved ones or embracing simplicity—and let them guide your choices when the to-do list grows.

2. Say “No, Gracias” (with Love)
In many Latina families, saying no can feel impossible. Whether it’s skipping a second gathering, suggesting someone else brings the empanadas, or—even more scandalous—choosing store-bought flan over homemade, protecting your energy can come with side-eye from your tías. But as Robyn reminds us, “Every yes to others can sometimes be a no to yourself.”

Practical Tip: Remember, it’s okay to simplify. If your tía gives you the look over your store-bought contribution, remind yourself that she probably won’t even notice when she’s serving it alongside her third glass of coquito. Politely decline commitments that feel like too much by saying, “I’d love to help, but I’m focusing on keeping things simple this year.” Boundaries are an act of love—for yourself and your family.

3. Reclaim Traditions with Meaning
Latina holidays are rich with traditions, but sometimes those traditions can start to feel like obligations. Robyn’s journey to rediscover her family’s practices—like her great-grandmother’s curanderismo—helped her reconnect with her roots while letting go of the pressure to do it all. “I found healing in embracing the traditions that brought joy and meaning,” she writes.

Practical Tip: Focus on what feels authentic to you. Maybe that means teaching your kids how to make buñuelos or sharing a simple gratitude ritual during Noche Buena. Or perhaps it’s something new—like creating a playlist with family favorites or hosting a movie night with classics like El Regalo Prometido (*Jingle All the Way*, but make it Latino). Traditions are most beautiful when they evolve with love.

4. Protect Your Ser (Your Essence)
The holidays can pull you in a million directions, leaving little time to check in with yourself. Robyn’s teachings on ser—your true essence—offer a reminder to slow down and nurture your spirit. “I had to stop running and call myself back,” she shares, reflecting on her journey to find balance and peace.

Practical Tip: Carve out small but meaningful moments for yourself. It could be journaling with a warm cup of cafecito, walking around your neighborhood to admire the lights, or dancing to Hector Lavoe in your kitchen. These moments aren’t indulgent—they’re acts of self-preservation that will keep your spirit strong for the season.

5. Cleanse Stress with a Holiday Limpia
One of Robyn’s favorite rituals is the limpia, a spiritual cleansing to release heavy energy and invite renewal. “Limpias help you let go of what no longer serves you, creating pathways for peace,” she explains. During the holidays, this practice can be a grounding reset amid the hustle.

Practical Tip: Create your own limpia to start the season fresh. Light a velita, smudge your space with sage or mugwort, or soak in an herbal bath with lavender or eucalyptus. As you do, set an intention to release holiday stress and welcome peace. This simple ritual can help you center yourself and reconnect with what’s important.

Root Yourself in Joy
As a Latina, your holiday season is likely filled with love, laughter, and a little chaos. But it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your well-being. Robyn reminds us, “Getting rooted means letting go of who you think you should be and living the life you’re meant to live.” This season, give yourself permission to celebrate in a way that feels aligned with your heart.

Whether you’re gathered around the table for Noche Buena, savoring a quiet moment with your cafecito, or dancing to salsa y bachata as the clock strikes twelve, remember: the best gift you can give yourself and your family is your presence.