The festive season is coming… and so is the pressure

The most wonderful time of year can often feel like the most pressured time of year.  The end-of-year push is in full swing, inboxes are overflowing, projects are being squeezed into deadlines that no longer feel do-able, you’re tired, and there’s likely an expectation that you ‘should’ be able to switch off sooner than you feel you can.

 

Why the break we crave can feel hard to take

Around this time of year, many of my leadership clients say the same thing:

“I’m looking forward to the break … although I’m just not sure how to actually take the one I want.”

Even when the office is closed, the prospect of returning to a mountain of work or losing momentum can make stepping away feel stressful rather than restorative. Fast pace is the norm and that can make it uber hard to slow down and enjoy the break.

Then there are the personal expectations. This season of joy and magic can, at times, feel more like a festive pressure cooker. The “do it all” energy, the social plans, the family dynamics, the budget stretch… and others I know you can add.

Leaders carry an extra load too – keeping team spirits high, managing expectations, and juggling the broader organisational demands – all while trying not to drop any of the (admittedly very sparkly) balls!

 

5 prompts to help you get the break you actually want

It’s crucial to flip the festive pressure so prevalent at this time of year into the pleasure you want to experience over this holiday season.

It’s time to refocus on what you really want, how to achieve it, and reclaim the sparkle of the season.

Here are 5 prompts you can use to help shape your own festive period. They’ve worked for me, they’ve worked for clients, and hopefully they can also help you in some way too.

 

Q1. What do I actually want this period to look and feel like?

Start with the honest version, not the version you think you “should” want.

Do you want quiet time? To be completely offline? To be in the midst of the action? To switch off from work or stay lightly connected? To spend more time with loved ones – or simply more time with yourself?

Your festive season doesn’t need to match anyone’s expectations, your family’s traditions, or the ‘picture-perfect instagramable’ version. Make it about you.

Once you’re clear on what you want, it’s time to turn your attention to what’s required of you to make it happen.

 

Q2. What really must be done before the break?

There are only so many days left before everything slows down at the office.

What really must be done before the office grinds to a halt? It’s time to get ruthless about priorities.

As leaders, this is a great moment to role-model great decision making and courageous action – not through heroics, but by being explicit about what matters now and what can wait.

• What genuinely needs to happen before the holidays?
• What can safely wait until January?
• If you’re honest, what shouldn’t be consuming time at all?
• What techniques help you leave the mental load on the desk?

You might think people will judge you for changing it up at this stage in the game, but I assure you, they’ll be secretly sat in admiration.

 

Q3. What’s needed from others to make that prioritisation stick?

Ruthless prioritisation rarely happens in isolation. It usually requires something from other people, be that; your fellow leaders, your team, your partner, your family, your friends.

Define it. Communicate it.

• What do you need less of? More of?
• What do others need to do and why? Or stop, and why?
• Where do you need support, cover, flexibility, or simply different expectations?

Clarity here isn’t selfish. It’s what’s needed to role model the way everyone should be operating. Being explicit about your needs gives others permission to do the same.

 

Q4. How do you slow yourself down – dare we say, ‘switch off’?

I suspect you already know what enables you to slow right down. The things that genuinely quieten the mental tabs that are constantly open, calm the nervous system, and lead to restorative relaxation.

The right form of ‘switch off’ is not only critical for you enjoying this time with the people that matter to you, but to your health and wellbeing, and how you’ll be able to show up in the new year.

So, what shift is needed to make that possible this year?  Is it fewer activities and engagements? Or getting out and about for more? A different rhythm to your days? Or protecting your routine? It’s all individual – work out what will make the biggest difference and focus on that.

As with everything else we’re discussing here, enlist the support you need.

 

Q5. What’s going to maximise the joy for you?

Not the forced kind. Not the glossy, cinematic version. I’m talking about moments of joy –  I’m a big believer that they can make a huge difference to how we feel.

Those moments that bring you genuine, grounding joy – the kind that nourishes your soul, brings the smile, and refuels you in the process.

More often that not, they’re the simple things in life – from your morning cuppa, to a spot of blue sky, the sound of laughter, or a minute of total silence. We are presented with them frequently – soaking them up is the key.

And therefore it’s critical that you can notice those moments when they arrive. Raising your consciousness; training your attention to catch them. Without this focus they are easily missed, and when we’ve been running at a million miles an hour that’s a very real risk.

Be sure to notice.

 

A final thought…

I genuinely hope you get the festive season you want – not the one you feel you “should” have.

There’s no prize for pushing through December exhausted. The real win is truly enjoying this period and arriving in the new year feeling steady, clear, and refreshed.

You’re allowed to want that.
You’re allowed to protect it.
And the version of you that returns in January will thank you for it.

 

Looking ahead to 2026

If new professional goals are on your Christmas list, and you’re looking for a coaching partner to help you on the way, don’t hesitate to find out more about how I work and book a call if you’re ready to talk.

 

 

 

 

 

Importantly, seek support if this time is hard

This time of year is emotionally heavy for many people – professionally, financially, relationally, mentally. If you need support for yourself or a loved one, Mind list useful and professional teams to reach out to.