How to Prioritize Your Peace Holiday Edition

Dec 17

Let’s face it, as busy women, we’re often the ones working behind the scenes to create holiday magic for our loved ones. It’s easy to go above and beyond, ensuring the halls are decked with every little detail, traditional dishes hit all the right flavor profiles, and memories are lovingly curated. You did all the things, and by the time the holidays are over, you need a holiday from your holiday.

I get it… it’s what we do, but please hear me out.

If you feel the weight of holiday stress, burnout from work, or guilt when you try to take even a moment for yourself, you’re not alone. It’s no secret women experience some of the highest levels of holiday burnout, because we’ve been conditioned to do it all.

I’m embarrassed to admit that it took me until my youngest left for college when I realized I didn’t have to do it all, not just during the holidays, but all year long. While I didn’t need to make the holidays sparkle, I did need to figure out how to get my own sparkle back. After years of pouring into everyone else, it became clear…it was time to shift my priorities.

Choosing to prioritize your peace during the holidays may seem like the worst possible time to start setting boundaries, but it is the perfect time. Whether you’re facing chaotic holiday travel or wrapping up end of the year work projects, it’s the perfect opportunity to practice what healthy boundaries look like under pressure. Consider it a personal gift to yourself.

If you’re still unsure, let the wisdom of poet laureate Maya Angelou guide. She often spoke about the power of boundaries and said, “By setting boundaries, you are protecting your emotional energy.”

There may be people in your world who will struggle to accept your act of self-love…do it anyway.

Below are powerful ways to reduce holiday burnout, reclaim your emotional energy, and prioritize yourself during the busiest season of the year.

1. First and Foremost: Prioritize You

Intentional self-care is essential, it’s optional, if you want to reduce holiday stress and ignite your inner sparkle. Create moments that pour into your peace and emotional well-being. Make a list of activities that help you feel grounded, joyful and calm.

Here are a few of my faves:

A mindful walk each morning
A cafe coffee date with a dear friend
A luxurious evening bath
A good read before bedtime
A dance party in the living room

Schedule these moments as non-negotiable appointments. Put them on your calendar. This is how you honor your time, protect your energy, and create consistent rituals that support your mental health during the holidays.

2. Do Less (Really, Do Less)

Women who carry the emotional load of the holidays often feel obligated to “do it all.” It’s time to release that expectation.

Let someone else make the traditional family dish.
Let another family member host in their home.
Let good enough be the new standard

This is especially hard for perfectionists, people pleasers, and eldest daughters, but doing less is one of the most powerful steps toward preventing holiday burnout.

3. Commit to Less

Surround yourself with people who let you shine, and limit those who drain your energy.

Where did we get the belief that we must make an appearance at every party? The logistics of getting ready, bringing a gift, sitting in traffic can be exhausting and overwhelming.

Holiday gatherings should fill you with joy, not dread. This quote by Paulo Coehlo helped me stop overextending myself, “when you say yes to others, make sure you are not saying no to yourself.”

Give yourself permission to say:

“I won’t be able to make it but thank you for thinking of me.”

“I would love to spend some time with you; can we schedule a time after the holiday when things are less hectic?”

“I’m making an effort to not overextend myself, can we plan something after the first when it’s less hectic?”

Protect your peace. Silent nights prevent burnout.

4. Respond Less (Especially to Drama)

Nothing tests your boundaries like holiday family gatherings. old wounds, childhood roles, and familiar patterns are bound to resurface. You can count one person who brings up old drama or pushes triggering buttons.

Protect your emotional well-being.

Take a beat and breathe.

You don’t have to engage.

Those little digs or sarcastic remarks are intended to get a reaction. If you know a particular event may stir drama… go back to “commit to less.” If you know who the typical offenders are, create a list of confident, grounded responses to diffuse the moment:

“I’m not comfortable talking about this right now.”
Let’s talk about something more uplifting.”
“Let’s go see with the others are doing.”

5. Less Access (VIPs Only)

In my “The Power of Prioritizing Your Peace Guide” I share one tools for setting healthy boundaries: the Velvet Rope Technique. You decide who has VIP access and who does not. Imagine a red-carpet event where only VIPs get access. Your emotional energy works the same way.

· You decide who gets access to you.
You decide who stays behind the velvet rope.
You decide who’s allowed into your peaceful, drama-free inner circle.

It’s not about shutting people out, it’s about guarding your peace, minimizing drama and protecting your emotional well-being.

My Gift to Help You Prioritize Your Peace

If you would like more tips and techniques to protect your energy, avoid holiday burnout, and build healthier boundaries, I’ve created a powerful resource to support you.

My “Power of Prioritizing Your Peace” guide is part journal, part permission slip and a pathway to reclaiming your peace. Grab your copy of the guide, it’s my holiday gift to you! Download your gift here.

You cannot pour into others until you pour into yourself first. Remember, when you prioritize yourself, you are not being selfish, you are being self-full.

May your holidays be filled with moments that sparkle, starting with you.

All my best,

Elle~

P.S. Be sure to download My Power of Prioritizing You Guide.