The holiday season is upon us. A time for joy, for giving, for connection. But for many of us, it’s also a time of overwhelm. A time when we forget to prioritize ourselves in the rush of parties, presents, and family gatherings. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and lose sight of what truly matters. Imagine if it didn’t have to be like this… Just picture yourself relaxed and enjoying the holidays, rather than being stressed and overworked.

Imagine a holiday season where you feel energized, not drained. Where you say “hell yes” to the things that spark joy, and a firm “no” to the rest. It’s possible, but it requires setting boundaries. Strong ones.

First, let’s talk about why boundaries are so important during the holidays. This is a time when our schedules get crazy, our finances get stretched, and our emotions get triggered. It’s a perfect storm for burnout. But by setting clear boundaries, you protect your time, your energy, and your sanity.

So, how do you start setting these boundaries? It begins with knowing what your non-negotiables are. What are your absolute priorities this holiday season? Is it attending a certain family dinner? Finding time for a favorite holiday activity? Whatever it is, make space for those things first.

Next, get clear on what drains your energy. Is it gifting? Hosting? Certain social obligations? It’s okay to say no to these things. In fact, saying no to what doesn’t serve you means you can say a bigger “yes” to what does.

Now, here’s where things can get tricky. We often feel guilty for setting boundaries. We worry about letting others down, or coming across as selfish. But remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary. And the truth is, the people who truly matter will respect your boundaries.

So, how can you communicate these boundaries with others? Be clear, be direct, and be firm. Don’t apologize for needing time to yourself, or for not wanting to participate in something that doesn’t feel joyful. Practice saying “no, thank you” without explanation.

And finally, remember that boundaries are not just about what you say no to. They’re also about what you say yes to. Say yes to self-care. Say yes to activities that bring you joy. Say yes to rest when you need it.

Check out the episode below on how to have strong and empowering boundaries during the holidays.