Christmas can be such a wonderful time, but for so many women it also comes with pressure, expectations, overwhelm, and exhaustion.
If you’re already feeling frazzled just thinking about everything that needs doing, this is for you.
Here are 10 simple ways to have a less stressful Christmas, without trying to “do more” or be perfect.
1. Stop & Reassess Before You Get Swept Up
Before the chaos begins, take some time to stop and reassess. Write everything down, what needs doing, what feels important, and what can wait.
There are some really powerful reasons why writing things down helps:
- Everything feels clearer on paper
- You can plan more easily and prioritise what actually matters
- You stop trying to hold everything in your head
- You become more present instead of distracted
- Your sleep often improves because you’re not lying awake worrying
So, grab a pen and paper and get it out of your head and onto the page.
2. Challenge Expectations & Focus on What YOU Want
It’s not too late to look at expectations, especially if Christmas already feels heavy.
Ask yourself:
- What are the expectations around Christmas?
- Are they actually mine?
- Are they my partner’s, my family’s, or old traditions from childhood?
Once you’ve seen the expectations clearly, ask:
What do I really want this Christmas to feel like?
And allow yourself to make changes.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
Without boundaries, everyone assumes you’re available for everything.
That’s when:
- You end up with too much to do
- You feel overwhelmed
- You may even start to feel resentful
Think about what boundaries you need this Christmas around time, energy, rest, and commitments and communicate them clearly.
Boundaries are not selfish. They reduce stress.
4. Say No Without Guilt
Saying no is an act of self-care.
When you say no:
- You don’t do things you don’t really want to do
- You free up time and space
- You get to say yes to what matters to you (even if that’s doing nothing)
- Your stress levels drop
Instead of automatically saying yes, try:
“Let me get back to you.”
That pause gives you breathing room to choose what’s right for you.
It might feel uncomfortable but it’s your Christmas too.
5. Be Realistic
There are only so many hours in a day.
There is only so much you can do.
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
Trying to do too much is one of the biggest causes of Christmas stress. Give yourself permission to lower the bar.
6. Go With the Flow
Routine often goes out the window over the holidays and if you like structure, that can feel frustrating.
But getting wound up about it usually creates more stress.
It’s only for a short time.
Let go of the need for everything to be “normal” and go with the flow where you can.
7. Make Time for You
You still matter at Christmas.
Try to create small pockets of time just for you:
- Quiet time
- A walk
- Reading
- Sitting in silence
There’s no right or wrong, just do what helps you feel good.
8. Breathe
Long, slow, deep breathing helps move your body out of stress mode and into calm.
You don’t need to overcomplicate it:
Just take 10 slow, deep breaths, counting each one.
Do this at least once a day to support your nervous system through the busyness.
9. Pace Yourself & Know Your Limits
You don’t need to rush around like a headless chicken.
Ask yourself:
- Is all of this really necessary?
- Am I doing too much?
And if things genuinely do need doing:
- Spread them out
- Ask for help
- Delegate where possible
Your energy is valuable. Listen to your body.
10. Take a Break From Social Media
A break from screens reduces stress.
A break from comparison reduces stress even more.
Try one of these:
- Turn your phone off for an hour a day
- Leave it in another room
- Silence all social media notifications
- Or take a full few-day break if you can
You don’t need to respond to every ping.
You get to choose presence over pressure.
A Gentle Reminder
A less stressful Christmas doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly.
It comes from doing less of what drains you and more of what actually matters.
Rest is allowed.
Changing traditions is allowed.
Protecting your energy is allowed.
If you’d like gentle support beyond Christmas with stress, overwhelm, and protecting your energy, you’re very welcome to sign up for ‘The Weekly Reset’
I share simple tools, real-life reminders, and practical guidance to help you feel calmer, more in control, and less overwhelmed — without adding more pressure to your life.
<<< Sign up here >>>