Ah, the festive season! It’s magical, but let's be real: it’s a lot. Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks that help me stay grounded while still soaking up the season. Here’s what I’m doing to stay (mostly) sane this year:
1. My “Festive Filter” – Keep the Essentials, Let Go of the Rest
This one is a game-changer. The season has its demands, so I give myself permission to filter out the fluff. When I’ve got a mountain of presents to wrap, I’m ordering takeout or digging into leftovers guilt-free. It’s just not realistic to do everything I normally do plus more, so some things just don’t make the cut—and that’s okay. I focus on what really matters and let the rest slide.
2. Embracing the 70% Rule
Perfectionism and the holidays… not a great mix. This year, I’m leaning into what I call the “70% Rule”: if something only gets 70% of my usual effort, it’s still enough! Instead of perfect gift wrapping, I grab whatever paper I have on hand and skip the picture-perfect bow. So my tape might be mismatched, or my folds are wonky; maybe I don’t wrap at all and just pop it in a bag! People still feel the love, and I get to save my energy for things that matter more. It’s freeing to know 70% can be enough—and it’s essential if I want to look after myself and those I love without burning out.
3. No, Thankyou.
This one’s all about saying, "No, thank you." To that extra invite, that off-topic conversation, or picking up yet another item for Christmas dinner. Learning to set clear, kind boundaries is key. It’s an art to set them without offending others while still meeting your needs, but it’s absolutely doable. (Psst, if you want support with this, join my free Boundaries Masterclass here! 😉)
Let’s Do the Math:
Your life now = full
Your life + festive duties = burnout
(Your life - non-essentials) + (festive duties at 70%) - (extras you managed to say "no" to) = doable
Wishing you a joyful, balanced holiday season with a little less stress and a lot more peace. 🎉
Much Care,
Epiphany
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