Arriving at Christmas Without Burning Out

Every year, as we move into the last stretch before Christmas, many of us slip into a familiar pattern. We start telling ourselves, “I just need to make it to the break,” and without realising it, we begin pushing a little harder, taking on a little more, and stretching ourselves past what’s sustainable. Work deadlines expand, the to-do list grows, and the small routines that once keep us grounded are squeezed out in our attempt get everything done in time for the holidays.

It’s understandable. We all want to finish the year well. But this push-through mindset comes at a cost. By the time we finally reach the holidays, many people are already running on empty. The body might be tired, but the nervous system is still wired and alert, making it difficult to wind down, settle, and genuinely enjoy time with the people we care about.

The impact is subtle but significant. We feel more irritable, less patient, and quicker to snap at the small things. Instead of feeling rested and connected, we find ourselves struggling to switch off, even when the space to rest is finally there. Often, it’s only when the nervous system starts coming back into balance that we realise the break is nearly over. And before long, we are preparing to begin the cycle again.

Many people believe that if they push hard enough in December, they will finally earn their rest later. But rest doesn’t work like a reward we cash in once we have depleted ourselves. How we arrive at Christmas shapes the holiday we actually get to experience. And you deserve a lot more than crawling across the finish line.

There is another way to move through this time of year. A way that helps you preserve your capacity, stay connected to yourself, and genuinely enjoy the break when it comes.

I call it a Conscious December.

A Conscious December invites you to shift your focus from pushing through to intentionally pacing yourself. It asks you to consider what would support you, not just what needs to get done. It encourages you to enter the holidays with a nervous system that’s more balanced, so you can be present, responsive, and genuinely able to enjoy the time you’ve set aside to rest and to truly connect with those you love.

Here are a few ways to begin.

Slow the pace where you can

This doesn’t mean dropping everything or ignoring responsibilities. It simply means pausing long enough to question whether the urgency is real. You don’t need to complete every task before the year ends. Step back and ask yourself honestly which things are truly essential and which can wait. Even small reductions in pace create room for your system to breathe.

Hold your boundaries gently but firmly

This time of year brings more invitations, expectations, and emotional baggage than we often realise. It is completely okay to decline, to ask for help, or to acknowledge that you are at capacity. Setting appropriate boundaries helps you to protect your wellbeing and your relationships. And remember, as Roxie Nafousi says, “NO is a complete sentence.” You don’t need to provide a long explanation or justify why you can’t do something. You are allowed to simply say no. Your reason can be as simple as protecting your energy, and that is enough.

Keep one or two small acts of self-care consistent

You don’t need elaborate routines. Consistency matters more than doing something big. You just need one or two things that signal to your system that it’s safe to slow down. A short walk, a quiet cup of tea, getting to bed a little earlier, or a few minutes doing something you love - small practices done regularly have the biggest impact.

Practice heart-brain coherence daily

A few minutes of coherence practice each day is one of the most effective ways to stay grounded during busy periods. It supports emotional regulation, improves patience and clarity, and helps you shift out of reactivity. Even short practices create a noticeable and meaningful change.

For a guided demonstration, check out my LinkedIn post where I walk you through the practice step by step: Quick Coherence® Technique Demo

Create small pauses in your day

Little interruptions in the momentum of stress can have a big impact. A brief pause before your next task, a moment to relax your shoulders, or a few slow breaths help bring your system back into balance and remind your body that it doesn’t need to race.

Set an intention for how you want to arrive at Christmas

Ask yourself how you want to feel when the holiday begins. Rested, calm, present, connected. Use that intention as a guide when making decisions in the coming weeks. It shifts the focus from urgency and pressure to what actually supports you.

The end of the year doesn’t have to feel like a sprint. With more awareness and a few deliberate choices, you can arrive at Christmas with more space, more ease, and more capacity to actually enjoy the time you’ve been looking forward to.

Starting December 1, I’ll be sharing my Conscious December Advent Calendar across LinkedIn and Instagram. Each day, you’ll receive a simple and practical tip to help support your nervous system, create a little breathing room, and move through the season with more intention and calm.

Even trying one or two of these shifts can make a noticeable difference.
Your system will thank you.
Your family will feel the difference.
And you’ll begin the new year in a state that genuinely supports you.

With heart and gratitude,

Alicia

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