Fun Ways to Embrace the Festive Season
Mark Kennedy
18 December 2024
The festive season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the reality is that it doesn’t always
The Christmas countdown has officially begun! You might be feeling the excitement already… the holiday lights are up, your friends are talking about what they’re doing over the break, and maybe you’re planning out some gifts. It’s a fun time, right? But here’s the thing: while the holidays can be full of joy and laughter, they can also be super stressful. And that’s okay.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done, whether it’s schoolwork, family gatherings, gift shopping, or just the general craziness of the season – you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in all the expectations. There are so many events, people to see, and responsibilities to juggle that it’s normal to feel a bit burned out.
The truth is, Christmas can sometimes feel like a lot. Instead of fun parties and festive traditions, you might start feeling anxious, stressed, or just plain tired. If you’re feeling this way, it’s hard to enjoy all the good bits the holidays bring. So, let’s talk about how you can prioritise yourself this holiday season and make sure you’re feeling your best.
First things first, how can you tell when you’ve hit your limit? Some people experience stress in big ways. They get headaches, feel super anxious, or just can’t seem to relax. But for others, it’s more subtle. Maybe you’re snapping at your siblings or friends more than usual, you’ve got 101 things playing on your mind when you try to relax, or you’re feeling extra tired even after sleeping. Maybe schoolwork feels like climbing a mountain, and you just can’t find the energy to focus.
Another sign of burnout? You stop enjoying the things that usually make you happy. If you’re feeling unmotivated to hang out with friends, binge your favourite shows, or even scroll through TikTok, that’s a big clue that your brain is crying out for a break. Your body and mind are telling you, “Hey, slow down!”
Overstimulation can also show up as a loss of sleep or feeling like you’re constantly on edge. All of this is your body’s way of waving a red flag, saying it’s time to take a step back and unwind. Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger problems like burnout, which can affect your mood, relationships, and even your grades. That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and mind before things get too overwhelming.
Setting boundaries (especially around the holidays) might sound awkward, but trust me, it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. When we think of boundaries, we often imagine rules about physical space, but boundaries can be emotional, mental, and even financial. And they’re crucial, especially during a time like Christmas when expectations from family and friends can be high.
We naturally set boundaries in everyday life, like not letting a stranger hug you or respecting your friend’s personal space. So why should Christmas be any different? Just because it’s the “season of giving” doesn’t mean you have to give your all – especially at the cost of your mental health.
Let’s say you’re someone who loves your family, but the idea of spending every day of the break with them sounds exhausting. That’s okay! You’re allowed to take time for yourself. Maybe that means saying no to certain family gatherings or taking breaks from socialising to recharge. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.
And let’s talk about financial boundaries for a second. Christmas can get expensive. Between buying presents, attending outings, or even chipping in for group activities, it can feel like the holiday spirit comes with a hefty price tag. If it’s stressing you out, set limits. Be honest about what you can and can’t afford – your friends and family will understand, and if they don’t, that’s on them, not you.
Boundaries are there to protect you, not to keep others out. By setting them, you can actually enjoy the holiday season more because you’ll be in control of how you spend your time, energy and money!
The dreaded word: NO! It’s the hardest answer to give when asked for a favour, to go out, or to do something you feel compelled to do, even if it makes you uncomfortable. But sometimes, it needs to be said! When? Anytime you feel uncomfortable or unable to, even if you feel obligated to say yes or want to please the person. Especially say no when you feel what you are being asked crosses a personal boundary.
Saying no requires practice but over time, you will grow more confident and be able to build a healthy level of boundary between you, your friends or family, even in other scenarios like work! How do you say no? Be polite but assertive! Keep it simple, “I can’t do that right now, sorry”. Or even say if it makes you feel uncomfortable, or you are not sure about it. How much you communicate is down to you; you may feel like you need to make an excuse, but you don’t! Don’t feel pressured to say why you said no, just be firm and stick to your answer. It’s hard at first, but it gets easier! Most of the time people will understand and accept your decision. Being upfront and honest about how you feel makes things easier for everyone in the long run.
WThe holidays can be a lot for anyone, but if you’re someone who’s neurodiverse or easily overstimulated, it can feel like sensory overload. Bright lights, loud music, crowded shops, and endless social events can make you want to crawl under a blanket and hide.
Mark, for example, deals with these exact challenges because of a brain injury*. He knows how the holidays can go from fun to overwhelming in a snap. His advice? Plan ahead. Think about what situations might be too much for you and find ways to adjust. Maybe it’s saying no to loud parties, shopping online to avoid the busy stores, or finding a quiet space to unwind when things get too intense. Planning ahead also gives you the opportunity to figure out gaps where you could have a much-needed break.
You don’t have to attend every event, buy every gift, or meet everyone’s expectations. The holidays are meant to be a time of rest and joy, but that doesn’t mean you need to push yourself to the point of exhaustion. You’re in control of how you spend your time, and you have every right to celebrate in a way that works for you.
At the end of the day, the holidays should be about what makes you feel good. Take breaks when you need them, set boundaries that make sense for you, and most importantly, give yourself permission to relax. Whether that’s enjoying a cozy movie night at home, going for a walk to clear your head, or just taking a nap – you deserve to enjoy the season in a way that’s comfortable for you! So, this Christmas, give yourself the gift of self-care. You’ll thank yourself for it later!
* P.S. If you are, or know someone, who’s life has been affected by a brain injury head over to Brain or Shine. We’ve got lots of resources to help you understand how to live with the effects of traumatic injuries and hidden disabilities. You can read our blogs, listen to our podcast or even join in with our free monthly webinars. There’s lots of other resources available too and a peer-to-peer support group where you can talk to other people in a similar situation as you!
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