The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection, yet for many women leaders, it can also be a season of stress and overload.
Between managing work, family, and the endless to-do list that comes with the holidays, it’s easy to feel stretched in every direction. However, with a little strategy and self-compassion, it’s possible to stay grounded and enjoy the season without burning out. Here’s how you can do just that.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Stick to Them
The first step to avoiding holiday overload is being honest with yourself—and others—about what you can realistically take on. Boundaries aren’t about saying “no” to everything; they’re about protecting your energy for what matters most. For example, if someone asks you to lead a holiday committee at work, a polite and clear response might sound like this: “Thank you for thinking of me! I’d love to support in a smaller role; however, I can’t commit to leading this year. I hope you’ll keep me in mind for future projects like this.” By setting limits, you create space for activities and responsibilities that align with your values and bring you joy. Remember, every “no” to something less important is a “yes” to something that truly matters.
2. Prioritize Tasks Like a Pro
When everything feels urgent, nothing really is. Take time to map out your holiday commitments and identify your top priorities. Is it preparing for that big end-of-year presentation? Hosting your family’s holiday dinner? Picking out thoughtful gifts? Determine what absolutely must get done, and tackle those first. A helpful tip is to group tasks into categories—work, family, social, and personal—and then break them down further into “essential” and “nice-to-have.” Focus on the essentials first, and don’t be afraid to cross off the rest. After all, not every cookie needs to be homemade, and not every tradition needs to happen all in one year.
3. Delegate Without Guilt
This is the season to lean on others—whether it’s your team, family, or friends. Delegation is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of leadership and trust. At work, delegate parts of bigger projects to colleagues who are ready to step up. At home, include your family in preparations. Kids can help decorate, partners can tackle grocery shopping, and guests can contribute to meals. Sharing responsibility not only lightens your load; it also strengthens relationships by giving others an opportunity to pitch in.
4. Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
Amid the whirlwind of holiday prep, it’s easy to put yourself last. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Small, consistent self-care habits can make a big difference during this hectic time. Set aside 15-30 minutes a day for yourself, even if it’s just to take a walk, enjoy a hot cup of tea, or journal your thoughts. Schedule downtime on your calendar, just as you would a team meeting or school event. Treat it as an appointment with yourself—and don’t cancel!
5. Practice Mindfulness and Presence
Stress often comes from worrying about the future or trying to do too many things at once. Mindfulness counteracts this by grounding you in the present moment. Spend a few minutes each day practicing deep breathing, meditation, or simply noticing the sights and sounds around you. For example, the next time you’re wrapping gifts or decorating the house, pause and immerse yourself in the experience—the colors, textures, and joy of the moment. Mindfulness helps you savor the beauty of the season instead of rushing through it.
6. Plan Ahead to Reduce Stress
Planning is your best friend during the holidays. Create a master calendar or list that includes all your commitments, deadlines, and tasks. This way, you can see the big picture and avoid last-minute scrambling. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps—and don’t forget to build in buffer time for unexpected hiccups. Future you will thank you!
7. Take Time for Yourself, Guilt-Free
Finally, remember that you deserve joy and rest as much as anyone else. Schedule activities that nourish you, whether that’s reading a book by the fire, taking a yoga class, or having a quiet breakfast before the day begins. When you feel guilty about stepping away from obligations, remind yourself that prioritizing your well-being allows you to show up as your best self—for your team, your loved ones, and yourself.
Work with me
The holiday rush doesn’t have to run you over. If you struggle to balance your time well or hold firm to your boundaries, click here to pick a time to talk and we can figure out a way forward for you.