The holidays arrive with sparkle and promise—beautiful meals, overflowing tables, and the urge to make everything just a little more lavish. But luxury isn’t found in excess; it’s found in refinement. Too often, Thanksgiving tempts us to overdo it—whether in spending, eating, or even hosting. And while there’s nothing wrong with celebrating in style, the most elegant experiences are often those grounded in balance.
We turned to Jennifer Schrappe of Chrysalis Enterprises for insight. As someone who has helped countless clients find harmony in the most emotionally charged seasons, she offers strategies to enjoy abundance without regret.
Why We Go Overboard
“Holiday overindulgence often comes from nostalgia, the desire to make things special for loved ones, and of course, wanting to have a good time,” Jennifer explains. Add in the bittersweet emotions of missing loved ones or the idea that “this time of year doesn’t count,” and suddenly the spending and serving can spiral.
The truth? Even with the best intentions, overdoing it rarely leaves us feeling more joyful. True sophistication lies in being intentional about what matters most.
Curate, Don’t Accumulate
Jennifer recommends pausing before the whirlwind begins. “Sit down and explore what’s really important to you and your family,” she says. The most memorable holiday tables aren’t always the ones with twelve side dishes or every new décor trend. They’re the ones where the host has curated an experience that reflects meaning, not just magnitude. By setting goals before the season takes off, you create permission to say no to what doesn’t serve you and yes to what truly elevates the holiday.
Put It in Writing
Affluent lifestyles are often fast-paced, and the holidays can add even more pressure. Jennifer suggests slowing the swirl of emotions by putting pen to paper. “Writing out what you’re experiencing helps to ‘download’ it from the brain,” she explains. The practice brings clarity and focus, revealing whether your desire to splurge is about connection, comfort, or simply habit. Think of it as journaling with intention—just as you might outline a business strategy or design plan, you’re designing your holiday experience.
A Mindful Method: IFS
One of Jennifer’s favorite tools is Internal Family Systems (IFS): a therapeutic approach that helps people understand the voices within that drive behavior. “Unpacking where our desires come from—and naming them without guilt—can change the way we approach the season,” she says. For example, the part of you that wants to buy gifts for everyone may be rooted in wanting to be remembered as generous. The part that keeps filling your plate might be reaching for comfort. By acknowledging these voices instead of judging them, you regain control with compassion.
Luxury in Moderation
At its core, Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not gluttony. Elegance is expressed when every choice feels intentional—whether it’s the perfect pairing of wine and food, a thoughtfully chosen tablescape, or the decision to gift experiences rather than more “stuff.” True luxury isn’t the excess of more, but the richness of enough.
“When things feel out of control,” Jennifer notes, “there are emotional underpinnings at play. It doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human.” By recognizing those undercurrents, you can redirect your energy toward what brings peace and fulfillment, not stress.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of balance. Choose the pleasures that matter, release the pressure to overdo, and savor the elegance of moderation. In doing so, you’ll find that gratitude—and not excess—creates the most lasting impression.