Boundaries & Balance: how to find calm and control this December
December and the festive season is full of fun and sparkle, but it can come with its own extra load too.
From endless to-do lists to family obligations and social expectations, it’s no wonder so many of us feel drained before we even get to New Year.
But what if this year could be different?
What if you could navigate the holidays with calm and confidence—not just surviving, but thriving?
There’s a key to this in a powerful tool: boundaries.
What do I mean by boundaries?
Boundaries are the invisible lines where your needs, time, and energy meet the world. They’re how you define what’s okay and what isn’t in your relationships, commitments, and life in general.
During the holidays, boundaries become especially important because expectations—our own and others’—tend to skyrocket.
Saying ‘yes’ to every event, gift exchange, or family obligation might feel like the polite thing to do, but it often leaves us depleted.
Setting boundaries isn’t about being selfish. It’s about being intentional—choosing where you want to invest your time and energy so that you can show up fully for the things that truly matter.
Take stock in the overwhelm
Take a moment to reflect, perhaps with a journal in hand, or just ask yourself a gentle question.
What’s one thing overwhelming you right now?
Where do you feel like you’re giving too much?
It’s okay if the answers come quickly—or if they don’t. Awareness is an important step toward reclaiming calm and creating meaningful boundaries.
3 steps to set boundaries
Here’s a simple framework to help you get started:
1. Pause and prioritise
It can be really helpful to take a moment to write down everything that’s on your plate, and on your to do list in one place. Take a big bit of paper, or, if you’re feeling festive, back of a roll of wrapping paper and write it all down.
Scribble it ALL out. The gifts, the parties, the raffle prizes, the concerts, the festive gatherings, the baking, the food shopping, the wrapping, the decorating, the cleaning, the christmas jumper days, and ALL the things whirling round.
And then ask yourself…is it something I have to do, want to do, or need to do? What could I delegate, dump off the list, or defer until January. And where things feel like you ‘have to’ do them, are they really, truly important, or just someone else’s expectation?
I mean, going to the kids’ concert or play is a both a have to and a want to, but baking cookies for the interval….that isn’t?
Once it’s all out of your head it becomes much easier to prioritise.
2. Communicate boundaries in a way that works for you
Saying ‘no’ can be hard, especially if you’re used to being the one who always says "yes." But setting boundaries doesn’t have to feel confrontational.
‘I’d love to, but I’m not able to this time. Thank you for asking’
I actually used something like this yesterday - someone asking for a meeting, and I suggested it would be better to have it in January as my work focus is on my current clients, and content creation, not on new tech, courses or partnerships. I didn’t tell them the details, only that I’d prefer to meet in January.
You don’t need to over-explain or apologize. A kind, clear response is often all that’s needed.
3. Protect space for yourself!
I think this is really important. Boundaries aren’t just about saying ‘no’ to others—they’re also about saying ‘yes’ to yourself. One powerful way to do this is by creating non-negotiable ‘you time’.
It can be small. 15 minutes a day to read, meditate, or enjoy a cuppa in peace can make a world of difference. I tend to do this every morning before anyone else is up (I am an early riser!) and then I am a much nicer human. More present, more able to cope with the changes in schedule and extra requests (and find it easier to say ‘no’ when I’m calm and centred).
Remember, when you prioritize your well-being, you show up as your best self for the people and activities you care about most.
If you don’t have 15 minutes. You could try this 4 and a half minute body scan meditation…a great way to get out of your busy head!
What could a calm December look and feel like for you?
We ALL deserve to enjoy the holiday season, in our own way. Some of us LOVE the parties and social aspect. Some love the exchange of gifts and surprising loved ones. Some of us love the lights, and sparkle everywhere and getting cosy.
Boundaries can help you create the December, and the Christmas that works for you, not just for everyone else.
As you think about setting boundaries this holiday season, imagine how your life could feel different:
Less rushing, more breathing.
Fewer obligations, more joy.
A sense of calm and control that carries into the New Year.
This isn’t just a holiday wish—it’s entirely possible when you start prioritizing your needs and setting healthy boundaries.
Ready for a Fresh Start in the New Year?
If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you take these tools even further. In the New Year, I’ll be offering my 4 month Wildly Well Woman coaching programme designed to help women like you reclaim their time, energy, and sense of self.
Imagine stepping into 2025 feeling calm, confident, and in control—not just during the holidays, but every day.
Click [here] to learn more or schedule a call with me to discuss how I can support you in making 2025 your best year yet.
You Deserve Peace and Joy—Now and Always
Setting boundaries might feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those around you. You deserve a holiday season filled with calm, joy, and connection. And with a little intention, you can make that a reality.
Wishing you peace and balance this holiday season!