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    Deck the Halls, Not Your Energy: Avoiding Christmas Burnout

    The most wonderful time of the year? More like the most wiped out time of the year. Between gift shopping, social marathons, and the pressure to be perpetually merry, it’s no wonder Christmas can leave us running on empty. But what if you could trade burnout for balance? Our guide to avoiding Christmas burnout is here to help you protect your peace, set boundaries (yes, you can say no), and keep your energy as sparkling as the lights on the tree. Because a joyful season shouldn't come at the cost of your sanity.

    By Harriet ishbel Sweeney / Dec 20 2024

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    The holidays are meant to be full of joy, cozy vibes, and time spent with loved ones. But let’s be real – the pressure to make everything perfect can leave you feeling completely drained before Christmas even arrives. From endless shopping lists to parties you didn’t want to go to in the first place, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. And then there’s the added stress of working so much just to carve out time off for the holidays. This year, let’s focus on something important: protecting your energy. Here’s how to avoid Christmas burnout and still have a blast.

    why does christmas burnout happen?

    Christmas burnout is all too real. The holiday season is often more about keeping up with endless tasks than actually enjoying the time off. There’s the shopping, the cooking, the events, and the social media-perfect pressure to make everything look picture-perfect. Add to that the guilt of not getting enough done at work so you can actually take time off, and it’s no wonder we feel stretched thin.

     

    The constant drive for perfection, plus all the holiday “shoulds” (I should go to this party, I should decorate like that), can turn a time of joy into a time of stress. And, let’s be honest, the need to work extra hard before the holidays to make sure you can actually enjoy them only adds more pressure. So, what can we do about it?

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    1. set boundaries early

    The best way to avoid burnout is by setting boundaries. Before things get overwhelming, take a moment to figure out what’s really important to you and what can slide. Do you need to attend every holiday party? Does your house really need to look like a Christmas movie set? Probably not.

     

    Setting boundaries means knowing when to say no – and it’s okay to do that! Whether it’s turning down an extra invite or opting out of a holiday task, protecting your time is key. Rest is just as important as attending every event. Also, don’t be afraid to set boundaries at work. You deserve your time off, and that means ensuring you’re not running yourself ragged to allow for it.

    2. be intentional with your time

    When your schedule starts to look like a game of Tetris, it’s time to take a step back and prioritize. The holidays are about the experiences, not the frantic “to-do” list. Instead of cramming every minute with something to do, schedule time for things that make you feel good.

     

    It’s easy to let work spill into your evenings or weekends while you’re hustling to finish projects before your time off, but that only leads to burnout. Be intentional about carving out time for yourself – whether that’s a quiet cup of tea or watching a Christmas movie without checking emails on the side. It’s about balance. If you’ve worked hard to earn time off, give yourself permission to actually enjoy it.

    3. practice the art of saying no

    The holiday season can feel like a free-for-all of invitations and requests. And, let’s face it – it’s hard to say no without feeling guilty. But saying “no” is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your energy.

     

    It doesn’t have to be dramatic. A simple, “Thanks, but I’m going to sit this one out this year,” is all you need. Don’t feel like you need to explain yourself or apologize. Your time and energy are yours to manage, and you don’t owe anyone an overbooked holiday schedule. If you’ve already worked overtime to prepare for time off, the last thing you need is more commitments.

    4. delegate and share the load

    You don’t have to do everything yourself. Christmas is a team sport, so enlist the help of others when you can. Whether it’s getting the kids to pitch in with decorating or having a partner help with meal prep, sharing the load makes everything more manageable.

     

    At work or with friends, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s okay to delegate and set realistic expectations. You’ll feel a lot less frazzled when you’re not doing it all on your own. And if you’ve been working extra hard to allow yourself some time off, let others pitch in so you don’t have to worry about everything being perfect.

    5. keep up with healthy habits

    When things get busy, we tend to let our healthy habits slip. But taking care of yourself physically can help keep your energy levels up. Make sure to get enough sleep, stay active, and eat foods that nourish your body.

     

    Even if you’re indulging in some holiday treats (because, hello, it’s Christmas!), try to balance them with fruits, veggies, and plenty of water. A short walk or a quick stretch can also do wonders for keeping your energy up throughout the season. If you’ve been working hard leading up to your time off, it’s crucial to take care of yourself so you’re actually able to relax when you do get a break.

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    Pro / Wellness Space 

    6. stop comparing yourself to others

    Social media during the holidays can feel like one big competition – who has the best decorations? Who’s got the most elaborate meals? It’s easy to start comparing your own holiday experience to the perfectly curated posts on Instagram, but that’s not real life.

     

    The truth? Everyone’s holidays are messy in their own way. So, don’t let a perfectly staged post make you feel inadequate. Focus on creating the kind of holiday that works for you, not the one you think you’re supposed to have. The best holiday moments come from the real, imperfect experiences, and you don’t need to work yourself into the ground to make it happen.

    7. embrace the “good enough” mentality

    If you’re stressing over every little detail, it’s time to take a breath and embrace the “good enough” mindset. Perfection isn’t necessary, and trying to create the perfect holiday often leads to unnecessary stress.

     

    A wonky Christmas tree, a slightly burnt batch of cookies, or a hastily wrapped present – those are the things that will actually make the holidays memorable, because they’re real. Let go of the idea that everything has to be flawless, and focus on what truly matters: spending time with those you love and enjoying the season. And remember, if you’ve been working non-stop to get to this point, “good enough” is more than enough!

    8. make time for what matters

    Christmas is about connection, not exhaustion. Sure, there are lots of things to do, but make sure you leave space in your calendar for what really matters to you. Maybe it’s sitting by the fire with a book, having a slow breakfast with your family, or getting outside for a winter walk.

     

    Don’t let the holiday chaos make you forget the simple pleasures. Taking time to slow down and be present will make the season feel more meaningful. After all, it’s not about getting everything done – it’s about creating memories. And you can only do that if you’ve taken the time to slow down and enjoy it.

    9. consider a digital detox

    We all know how it feels to be glued to our phones, but the constant pings, notifications, and endless scrolling can add to your stress levels. This holiday season, try a digital detox – even if it’s just for an hour a day.

     

    Put the phone down, step away from the screen, and spend that time doing something that actually energizes you. You might be surprised at how much more relaxed you feel without the constant pressure to check in or keep up.

    10. reflect and let go

    As the year comes to an end, it’s a great time to reflect on what went well and what you want to leave behind. Christmas doesn’t have to be about doing everything. It’s about what you want to take into the new year – and what you’re ready to let go of.

     

    Maybe that means letting go of the idea of a perfect holiday or not feeling guilty about saying no. Whatever it is, give yourself the gift of clarity and peace as you head into the new year.

    conclusion

    Christmas doesn’t have to be a season of burnout. By setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and embracing a more relaxed approach, you can enjoy the holiday season without running yourself into the ground. Working hard to ensure you have time off is important, but even more important is making sure that you actually get to enjoy it. This year, deck the halls, but don’t forget to protect your energy!

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