It’s not even December yet, and I’m already exhausted. The holidays seem to creep in earlier and earlier every year—starting in August with department stores and grocery aisles decking their halls with holiday decor. By the time November rolls around, we’re already neck-deep in to-do lists, expectations, and the mounting pressure to make everything perfect.
I don’t know about you, but I feel it. And worse, I feel guilty for feeling tired.
The Pressure to Be Perfect
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. But somehow, they’ve become a season of stress and endless tasks. Sending out holiday cards, planning family gatherings, decorating, cooking, shopping—it’s overwhelming. Add to that the usual day-to-day responsibilities, and it’s no wonder we’re crumbling under the weight of it all.
The thing is, we don’t talk enough about how draining this time of year can be. Instead, we feel guilty for not matching the energy of holiday commercials or picture-perfect Instagram feeds. We internalize this idea that we’re failing if we’re not constantly cheerful and productive, and that guilt only adds to the exhaustion.
Why Do We Feel This Way?
It’s easy to point fingers at the stores that push holiday cheer months in advance, but the truth is, the pressure comes from all sides—society, media, family, and even ourselves. We set these impossibly high standards, convinced that we have to do it all and do it flawlessly.
But guess what? We don’t.
Let’s Take the Pressure Off
What if we collectively decided to let go of the idea that the holidays have to be perfect? What if we gave ourselves permission to slow down and focus on what really matters?
- Skip the unnecessary tasks. If holiday cards or elaborate decorations feel like too much this year, let them go.
- Set boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to every party or commitment. Protect your energy.
- Prioritize rest. You’re allowed to take breaks, even during the busiest times. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s necessary.
- Lean on each other. Let’s stop pretending we’ve got it all together and start supporting one another instead.
It’s Okay to Feel Tired
Feeling tired doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human. The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, gratitude, and presence. And none of that requires you to run yourself into the ground.
Let’s take the pressure off, together. Let’s embrace imperfection and focus on the moments that matter most. If you’re feeling tired, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to feel guilty for it.
How do you manage holiday stress? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s support one another through this season.
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