Holiday burnout can hit hard, especially for hosts and caregivers who do most of the work to make the season feel “magical.”
Dr. Christine Korol suggests focusing on values, not perfection, and encourages people to ask what matters most?
Korol said the pandemic helped many people rethink traditions and find new ways to share meaningful moments, even when they could not gather in person.
She also suggests cutting corners when needed. And while the busy Christmas season is behind us, gatherings are still taking place, and New Year’s celebrations are just around the corner. Then there’s always looking ahead to next year.
How can you create more time? Korol recommends considering making fewer traditional dishes – or maybe hiring a caterer is the way to go, so the focus stays on games, laughter and time together.
Korol also recommends building in “micro breaks” to reset the nervous system. A break can be as small as a 20-second breathing pause or stepping outside for a short walk near trees or water.
Setting limits around gatherings is another key. Korol said families often have different expectations, and not everyone will be happy with boundaries. She advises letting go of people-pleasing, staying clear about your needs, and avoiding plans that lead to resentment.
Finally, Korol suggests planning something enjoyable for January. She noted that mood often dips after the holidays, and having a “guilty pleasure” activity to look forward to can help.
Korol noted that holidays cannot undo a year of pressure, but they can be the start of recovery when approached intentionally.
(Written by: Jeremy Hall)
