Part 3 of the 2024 Holiday Stress Series

The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy and celebration, but for many, it’s a time marked by exhaustion and overwhelm. With endless to-do lists, family obligations, work deadlines, and social gatherings, it’s no wonder so many of us experience burnout during this time of year.

As the third installment of my Holiday Stress Series, we’re going to tackle how to avoid burnout and truly enjoy the holidays without stretching yourself too thin. While managing holiday obligations and responsibilities, it’s important to find moments of peace, protect your energy, and prioritize self-care. You can read the other two posts in this series here: 18 Creative Holiday Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank and Holiday Stress and Family Drama in 2024: Tips for Navigating Election-Year Gatherings.

Why Are We So Stressed During the Holidays?

While the holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation and connection, they’ve increasingly become a source of stress due to the unrealistic expectations we often set for ourselves. Time and time again, clients and friends alike feel compelled to meet high expectations to create "perfect"or “magical” holidays, which can lead to increased emotional and financial pressure. The demands of shopping, cooking, decorating, and planning festive gatherings can cause a significant strain, particularly for working parents, who often balance these tasks with their usual workloads. Additionally, the year’s political landscape is a factor not to be ignored. With a contentious U.S. election year behind us, political debates and differing opinions may continue to fuel family tensions. All these factors contribute to heightened emotional fatigue and burnout.

Five Tips to Avoid Burnout During the Holidays

Here are five strategies to help you protect your energy and navigate this busy season with a sense of calm and balance:

1. Set Clear Priorities

It’s essential to recognize that you don’t need to do everything. One of the main reasons for burnout during the holidays is trying to meet everyone’s expectations or believing you should be able to do everything. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you this season—whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, participating in a few key traditions, or simply taking time for yourself. Give yourself permission to say "no" to activities or events that don’t align with your priorities.

2. Delegate Where Possible

You don’t have to shoulder all the responsibilities yourself. Consider delegating tasks like gift-wrapping, cooking, or holiday shopping to family members. In many cases, loved ones are happy to help, and sharing the load can reduce your stress while fostering a greater sense of collaboration.

3. Establish Boundaries with Family and Friends

Sometimes, burnout isn’t just about doing too much—it’s about feeling emotionally drained from certain interactions. This year, it’s particularly important to set clear boundaries, especially if political discussions or other emotionally charged topics come up during family gatherings. By being proactive and kind, you can express your desire to focus on positivity and connection rather than divisive topics.

4. Schedule Time for Yourself

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s crucial to carve out moments for self-care. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, going for a walk, or taking a short nap, creating personal moments of rest will help you recharge and avoid burnout. Even small practices, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises, can significantly reduce stress and help you connect with yourself and others.

5. Lower the Pressure

No holiday gathering needs to be perfect, and sometimes it’s okay to scale back. Remember that your presence and intention are what matter most, not how picture-perfect everything looks. The pressure to create a flawless holiday can quickly lead to overwhelm. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfection can be liberating.

Selfish Reflections

Burnout during the holidays is a real issue, but it doesn’t have to dominate your experience. By setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and being intentional with your time and energy, you can approach this season with a sense of peace and joy rather than exhaustion. Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to step back and ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.

Download my free Ultimate Holiday Guide: 2024 Edition for a gift-giving tracker, gift coupon templates, kids holiday printables, and more to make the most of this season. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by holiday stress, contact me to schedule a complimentary 1:1 coaching consultation to see how personalized support could help you navigate this season with peace and clarity. Sometimes, the best gift to others is to take care of yourself.

This blog post was originally written for Parentswarm and was first published on their website on November 28, 2023. You can view the original post here.