December can feel like a magical and exhausting time all at once. Holidays, family, social obligations, and work deadlines; It’s easy to feel behind on everything. And yes, it’s easy to burn yourself out this time of year. But you don’t have to do everything, or do everything perfectly, to enjoy the holiday season.
So here are some simple tips for enjoying December.
Prioritize tasks instead of trying to do everything
Shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating, baking, traveling to see family, year-end work projects, deadlines and commitments. It can all add up to a lot to fit into the already short days of December. Make a quick list of things you need to do, and ask yourself which truly need to be done, and which can wait.
Not everything is a priority. Completing the important things first will help you feel less behind and frazzled all the time.
Manage holiday social obligations without burning out
You don’t have to attend every holiday party, dinner, or gathering you are invited to. In fact, it’s okay to be selective. Just choose a few events that are really important to you, and decline the rest.
The more things you try to do, the more spread out and tired you will become. Remember, by declining one invitation, you are not saying “no” to something. You are saying “yes” to conserving your energy and not getting burned out.
Set clear boundaries with family and friends
December is often a time for unspoken expectations. How long will you stay, what will you cook, who will you see, and for how long? These expectations can be so unspoken that they are often the source of conflicts.
If you need limits, communicate them clearly ahead of time. When everyone is on the same page, interactions will be more pleasant for you and everyone else.
Schedule “quiet time” as if it were an appointment
Rest and relaxation do not magically happen. You have to schedule it. Just 15–30 minutes a day of quiet time in which you sit, read, stretch, or do nothing will help you slow down and reset your mind.
Treat this quiet time as sacred, non-negotiable, and as important as any other commitment you have.
Use budgeting to reduce financial stress
Financial stress is one of the biggest drains on your energy during the month of December. Establish a reasonable budget for gifts, food, going out, etc. and stick to it.
Sometimes, more thoughtful, low-cost gifts (or even shared experiences) can be more meaningful than more expensive, impersonal gifts. Splurging now will lead to stress well after the holidays are over.
Plan your meals and use shortcuts in holiday cooking
You do not need to make everything from scratch during the holidays. Simple menus, batch cooking, and store-bought shortcuts can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
You can ask guests to bring a side dish, appetizer, or dessert. You can even simplify a traditional family recipe. After all, the purpose of a meal is to enjoy it, not to exhaust yourself in preparation.
Delegate and ask for help
Don’t try to do it all alone. From asking family members to help decorate or set the table to delegating tasks or asking guests to bring food or drinks, sharing the work will make your life feel much lighter. The truth is, most people are happy to help, once you ask them.
Practice basic mindfulness to lower stress
December is one of the months when stress can build up almost without us noticing. Small practices such as taking three deep breaths, going for a short walk, pausing before reacting, stretching, etc., can go a long way towards calming your nervous system.
You don’t need full meditation practice for this to work. A few moments of awareness are all you need.
Learn to recognize the signs of overcommitment
Constant irritability, being more snappy than usual, poor sleep, headaches, feeling emotionally flat or depleted are some of the warning signs that you’re doing too much and that you are heading for a burnout.
If you pay attention, your body will let you know in small ways that it is time to slow down. Cutting back a bit earlier is always much easier than recovering from a full-on crash.
Don’t get caught in social media comparison traps
Social media is where everyone posts their best. It is a highlight reel, not a documentation of real life. Perfect-looking decorations, extravagant gifts, perfectly behaved children, picture-perfect families: these things can make anyone feel inadequate.
Remind yourself that what you see is just a small slice of other people’s lives and that you are not failing if you don’t live up to their unattainable standards.
Protect your sleep during the busy days
Sleep will be disrupted by late nights, early mornings, travel, and a busy schedule during December. Do what you can to protect your sleep by going to bed around the same time every night, even when your schedule gets hectic. This will help ensure better quality sleep, which in turn will give you a better mood, patience, and decision-making.
Simplify or change traditions to focus on what matters most
Traditions are a wonderful way to mark and enjoy the season. However, traditions are not sacred. If some traditions seem more like chores or obligations than celebrations, just modify them or skip them.
Focus on the ones that matter most to you and your family. Traditions can bring meaning to your life this time of year. But meaning does not come from doing more things. It comes from doing the things that feel right.
The following sources were consulted in the preparation of this article: