How to Avoid Holiday Burnout and Actually Enjoy the Season

Somewhere between the wrapping paper, the grocery lists, the parties, the family schedules, and trying to look “effortlessly festive,” we forget one very important person during the holidays.

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Ourselves.

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And listen… I love the holidays. I love the lights, the music, the cozy vibes, and the wine by the fire. But burnout during this season is real, sneaky, and shows up right about the time your to-do list is three pages long, and your patience is running on fumes.

So, if you want to actually enjoy the holidays instead of needing a vacation from them, here’s what I swear by.

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1. Make Your Own List and Check It Twice

Yes, I went there. But truly, this is your first line of defense against chaos.

From parties, to gifts, to meals, to family activities. Get it all out of your head and onto paper. (Or ChatGPT to help you prioritize timing and level of importance.  I used Chat for timing on my Thanksgiving meal. GENIUS tool for help) When everything is written down, it stops swirling around in that 2 a.m. anxiety loop. You can see what actually matters and what maybe doesn’t need to happen at all.

Bonus tip: your list is not a courtroom. You are allowed to change it. Cancel things. Simplify things. Reassign things. Future you will be very grateful.

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2. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help

I know. We are wired to think asking for help means we’re failing. It does not.

Ask for help with food. Ask for help with ideas for gifts. Ask someone to decorate with you. Ask someone else to organize the activity. You were never meant to carry the entire holiday on your back like a Hallmark Channel hero.

And if it is just TOO MUCH, call a caterer.  

Let people show up for you. Most of the time, they actually want to. And if they don’t? That’s information… not a reflection of your worth.

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3. Protect a Little “White Space” on Your Calendar

This one is non-negotiable if you want to avoid the meltdown that usually hits around December 20th.

White space means actual unscheduled time. No party. No obligation. No small talk. Just quiet, rest, a walk, a workout, a book, a bath, whatever fills your tank.

You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to justify it. Burnout doesn’t come from doing too much one day. It comes from never stopping at all.

4. Lower the Bar on Perfection (No One Is Grading You)

The house does not need to look like a magazine spread. The meal does not need to be five courses. The gifts do not need to be Pinterest-worthy and outside your budget.

People will remember how they felt in your presence far longer than they remember the centerpieces on your table.

Perfection is exhausting. Connection is not.

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If you made it this far in the blog, know this...............

The holidays are supposed to feel warm, meaningful, and full of moments that actually matter. Not rushed, resentful, and completely drained.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is the reason you’ll have the energy to show up for everyone else without feeling like you’re running on empty.

This season, I’m choosing peace over pressure. And I’m inviting you to do the same.

Cheers to a calm holiday and a nervous system that doesn’t feel like it’s on espresso, but filled with festive espresso martinis (wink....wink....).

XO
~ Katie