Surviving the festive season (with your sanity intact): A light-hearted guide to not returning to work more exhausted than you left

As we roll toward the end of the year, most of us are holding onto the idea of the December holiday like it’s the last life raft on a very wavy ocean. It has been that kind of year—hectic, relentless, and sprinkled with just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Balancing work deadlines, family needs, personal goals, health, and the mysterious force that disappears our Tupperware lids had not been easy. 

Fortunately, relief is in sight. The festive season is approaching, and soon many of us will get the chance to slow down, breathe, and brace ourselves for 2026 with renewed optimism and a respectable amount of Vitamin D. 

At least … that’s the plan. 

Because, if we’re honest, the December break comes with its own brand of challenges. You know the ones: the complicated family dynamics, the unspoken expectations, the “Are you sure you want another helping?” comments, and the occasional debate about which side of the family you’re visiting this year. 

Yes, it turns out that while family is one of the biggest sources of joy in our lives, it’s also sometimes the biggest source of stress (Don’t worry—your secret is safe here). 

So how do we navigate the glitter, the gatherings, the expectations, and the energy drain without going back to work in January feeling like we need a holiday from our holiday? 

Let’s talk about it. 

1. Give yourself permission to pause 

You don’t have to attend every gathering, solve every extended-family conflict, or host the perfect lunch. Sometimes the bravest (and healthiest) thing you can do is say, “I’m going to pass on this one”. Ten minutes of quiet with a cup of tea can do more for your well-being than an afternoon of forced small talk. 

2. Manage expectations (yours and theirs) 

Every family has at least one person who expects the festive season to resemble a TV commercial: harmonious conversations, coordinated outfits, food that magically appears, and everyone laughing in slow motion. 

Real life is … not that. 

Go in with a mindset of “good enough is great”. Aim for connection, not perfection. If Uncle Paul brings up politics again, remember it is absolutely okay to change the subject to dessert. 

3. Protect your energy like it’s your Netflix password 

Know your limits. Recognise the moments when you need to step outside, take a breath, or go for a short walk. Don’t underestimate the power of physical distance. Even a five-minute break can reset your emotional batteries. 

4. Prioritise activities that actually recharge you 

Not everything that’s “festive” is energising. Be intentional. If baking brings you joy, great! If baking brings you stress, shop-bought is a victory. If you prefer reading under a tree to mingling with a crowd, do that. Your holiday should include activities that you find restful, not what you think you’re “supposed” to do. 

5. Laugh when you can (especially when things are absurd) 

Families are full of quirks. Embrace them. The moment you spill the custard, or your aunt insists on giving you unsolicited life advice, or the dog eats part of the pavlova—these become the stories you’ll laugh about in February. Sometimes humour is the best coping strategy available. 

6. Plan a mini reset before you return to work 

Give yourself one quiet, simple day before heading back to the office. No socialising. No errands. No big plans. Just a slow, gentle re-entry into reality. It makes all the difference. 

A final thought 

The festive season is a mixed bag of part joy, part chaos, part glitter, part emotional gymnastics. However, with a little self-awareness, a few boundaries, and a sense of humour, you can navigate the season without emerging on the other side feeling like you survived a marathon. 

Here’s to resting, reconnecting, and remembering that it’s okay to take care of yourself, too. 

May 2026, find you refreshed, recharged, and ready—preferably with at least one new pair of socks and a fridge full of leftovers.