Holiday Pressure Starts Early—Here’s How to Protect Your Peace

For some, the holidays are joyful. For others, they’re overwhelming—even painful.

And that stress doesn’t wait until December. It starts creeping in around mid-November:

• Family expectations

• Travel planning

• Financial anxiety

• Grief for those missing from the table

• Social obligations that feel more like pressure than pleasure

This time of year can trigger burnout before the season even begins.

What You Can Do to Stay Grounded:

1. Set boundaries early. Saying “no” now protects your peace later.

2. Name your needs. Ask yourself: What do I need to feel okay this season?

3. Grieve what’s missing. Let yourself feel the ache of what you wish was different.

4. Create your own rituals. New traditions can be simple, small, and meaningful.

It’s okay to have mixed feelings about the holidays. Protecting your mental health is more important than performing a perfect holiday role.

This season, give yourself permission to choose peace over pressure.