How to Recognise and Recover from Christmas Burnout
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Understanding the Signs of Christmas Burnout
The Pressure of Family Expectations
The Impact of a Packed Schedule
Managing Anxiety Around Christmas
Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
Protecting Your Mental Health During Christmas
Practical Self-Care Tips for December
Reclaiming Joy Through Personal Wellbeing
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead to Avoid Holiday Burnout
The Christmas season is supposed to be a time of joy, connection and rest. But for many, it brings a different reality: stress, fatigue, and emotional overload. In this episode of Style for Life, Stephanie Rumble dives deep into what Christmas burnout really is, why it’s so common, and how to navigate it in a healthy, grounded way.
With a practical, non-judgemental voice, Stephanie shares her own experiences and offers tips for managing Christmas stress, reducing overwhelm, and protecting your mental health during Christmas. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a dozen directions during December, this article is for you.
Understanding the Signs of Christmas Burnout
Christmas burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that builds in the lead-up to the holidays. It’s often caused by the compounding effects of financial pressure, family expectations, and a packed schedule. This pressure builds slowly, until your joy, focus, and sense of balance begin to fray at the edges.
"Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, mental exhaustion caused by the stress of the holiday season, which can be triggered by financial pressures, family expectations, and packed schedules." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Some common signs include:
Irritability and mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling emotionally depleted
Physical and mental fatigue
A loss of joy or motivation
These symptoms are not just a passing funk—they’re warning signs that your tank is running low. When ignored, they can evolve into post-holiday fatigue or a deeper state of emotional exhaustion.
Recognising these symptoms early can help you take proactive steps to manage your wellbeing and avoid post-holiday crashes. Listening to your body and acknowledging when it’s time to pause is a key part of sustainable self-care.
The Pressure of Family Expectations
For many, family expectations can turn the holidays into a source of dread rather than delight. Stephanie talks about the emotional weight of traditions, the complexities of adult sibling dynamics, and the feeling of obligation tied to past family patterns.
She reminds us to question:
Are these traditions still meaningful?
Who are they serving?
Is it time to adapt?
These aren’t always easy questions to ask, but they are important. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do—for yourself and for others—is to step away from outdated traditions and create new rituals that better reflect your current values and needs.
"Don't try and do everything for yourself. Ask other people to help you come on board." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Holiday traditions can be beautiful, but only if they serve the wellbeing of everyone involved. Stephanie encourages listeners to reevaluate inherited norms and consider creating new traditions that align with where they—and their families—are now.
Sometimes, breaking from tradition is a necessary step toward protecting your personal wellbeing. When done with care, such changes can be freeing rather than divisive.
If you’re looking to align your outward expression with how you want to feel heading into the new year, a styling consultation with Stephanie can be a great way to reconnect with your confidence and energy. Learn to express yourself authentically through clothing that fits your lifestyle and your energy.
Coping with Christmas Stress
There’s a reason the term Christmas stress is so common. From year-end deadlines to back-to-back social commitments, December can feel like a relentless sprint. It’s easy to get swept into a state of constant doing, without checking in on how you’re actually feeling.
Ways to reduce Christmas stress:
Say no to non-essential commitments
Block out time for genuine rest
Simplify plans and share responsibilities
Stop aiming for perfection
When you find yourself juggling too many expectations, it’s worth asking what can be simplified. What can be postponed? The more you tune into your capacity, the easier it becomes to protect your energy.
"Use this Christmas and New Year period to recharge your tank. How can you recharge?" ~ Stephanie Rumble
Reducing stress doesn’t mean withdrawing from everything—it means curating your time intentionally. Stephanie invites you to get honest about what you want this season to feel like. Slowing down may be the most productive thing you do.
The Impact of a Packed Schedule
Stephanie explains that the sprint to the Christmas break can leave people feeling depleted before the holidays even begin. From social obligations to wrapping up projects, the sheer number of things on the calendar can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. A packed schedule can make it hard to maintain healthy habits or connect meaningfully with others.
If you find yourself rushing from one event to the next, or struggling to get everything “wrapped up” before the holidays, this could be a sign that your energy reserves are stretched too thin. Consider whether each commitment is truly necessary, and give yourself permission to slow down, defer, or decline when needed.
There’s a reason the term Christmas stress is so common. From year-end deadlines to back-to-back social commitments, December can feel like a relentless sprint. It’s easy to get swept into a state of constant doing, without checking in on how you’re actually feeling.
Ways to reduce Christmas stress:
Say no to non-essential commitments
Block out time for genuine rest
Simplify plans and share responsibilities
Stop aiming for perfection
When you find yourself juggling too many expectations, it’s worth asking what can be simplified. What can be postponed? The more you tune into your capacity, the easier it becomes to protect your energy.
Reducing stress doesn’t mean withdrawing from everything—it means curating your time intentionally. Stephanie invites you to get honest about what you want this season to feel like. Slowing down may be the most productive thing you do.
Managing Anxiety Around Christmas
Holiday anxiety can stem from unresolved relationships, overstimulation, or even financial pressure. Stephanie points out that unplanned gift costs, travel commitments, and stretched household budgets can all contribute to that creeping feeling of unease during December. Stephanie explains how mental fatigue, emotional triggers, and fear of disappointing others can build up beneath the surface.
Try grounding techniques like:
Short walks to decompress
Journaling to offload thoughts
Breathing exercises before events
When anxiety takes over, these small moments of intentional calm can shift your entire experience. Reframing anxiety as a signal, not a flaw, empowers you to respond with more compassion.
These simple strategies aren’t just calming—they help you reclaim emotional agency. Taking five or ten minutes for a mental reset can make the difference between surviving an event and actually enjoying it.
Even a few quiet moments of stillness can help regulate your nervous system and reduce that rising sense of feeling overwhelmed. The goal is not to eliminate all stress, but to expand your capacity to meet it with presence.
Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations
One of the most powerful tools for emotional balance is setting boundaries. This applies to:
Time commitments
Emotional labour
Social obligations
These boundaries can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when you’re used to saying “yes” out of habit. But in the long run, they protect your peace, your time, and your relationships.
Boundaries are not walls—they’re healthy guidelines that protect your energy and relationships. Stephanie encourages listeners to be realistic and gentle. Releasing the need to “do it all” can make space for a more connected and joyful season.
"Prioritise self-care by scheduling rest and relaxation, maintaining your sleep schedule if you can, and staying active." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Underpinning this is the art of managing expectations—yours, and those of others. Stephanie points out that sometimes perfectionism can sneak in, disguised as care. But letting go of perfection often creates the greatest peace. Don’t be afraid to communicate your limits or renegotiate commitments. Honesty and clarity go a long way in preventing misunderstandings and resentment.
Protecting Your Mental Health During Christmas
Your mental health during Christmas matters more than the roast, the presents, or the Instagram photos. Stephanie offers practical ways to protect your emotional wellbeing:
Set limits on social media scrolling
Take time out for solitude
Stay active and maintain healthy habits
Reflect on what the season actually means to you
"Every single person in this world has stuff going on. Let's face it, social media can be problematic in that way." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Caring for your emotional health is not a luxury—it’s essential. The festive period can amplify all sorts of feelings, and maintaining a baseline of calm helps you show up with presence.
Stephanie also stresses the importance of recognising comparison, perfectionism, and emotional fatigue for what they are—traps that rob us of presence.
"You really honestly need to be making sure that you don't compare yourself to others, you compare you to you." ~ Stephanie Rumble
Make time to check in with yourself daily. Even a few minutes of awareness around how you’re doing emotionally can help you course correct before burnout hits. And remember, tending to your mental health isn't selfish—it’s essential.
Beyond one-on-one support, Stephanie also offers workshops for workplace wellbeing, equipping individuals and teams with tools to navigate pressure, stress, and fatigue more effectively. These insights can also be adapted for personal use during demanding times like the festive season.
Practical Self-Care Tips for December
Throughout the podcast, Stephanie highlights small but powerful self-care tips that help maintain wellbeing during the festive season. These strategies are about doing less, but with more intention.
Try these actionable steps:
Keep your exercise routines consistent
Plan simple, nourishing meals
Prioritise sleep and downtime
Delegate and share the load
Limit alcohol and late nights if they impact your mood
These aren’t about overhauling your life, but about supporting yourself with consistent, realistic habits. Over time, these daily decisions protect your mental and emotional energy.
"The pressure to make the holiday perfect can be significant." ~ Stephanie Rumble
While these actions might seem basic, their impact adds up quickly. It's about consistency and being intentional, not perfection. Stephanie also encourages us to listen to our body’s cues—tiredness, irritability, or tension are often signs that your self-care needs attention. And perhaps most importantly, give yourself permission to rest. Doing less doesn’t mean you care less. It means you’re choosing presence over pressure.
Reclaiming Joy Through Personal Wellbeing
One of the key messages Stephanie shares is that joy is a by-product of presence—not pressure. By caring for your personal sense of wellbeing, you create space for genuine connection, calm, and even play.
That might mean:
Changing long-standing family traditions
Spending time alone without guilt
Choosing what aligns with your energy—not just expectations
This isn’t about abandoning your values—it’s about choosing what’s sustainable and meaningful. Joy tends to arise naturally when we stop striving and start listening to what we really need.
Burnout recovery isn’t about “fixing” yourself—it’s about honouring what you need in the moment. Stephanie encourages listeners to let go of shame and allow themselves to recalibrate. In doing so, you make room for joy to return—gently and authentically.
Whether it’s reading a book, choosing to skip a crowded event, or simply embracing stillness for a few hours, these moments are where wellbeing is quietly rebuilt.
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead to Avoid Holiday Burnout
Stephanie encourages us not only to survive the holidays but to use them as a launchpad for the year ahead. She suggests reflecting on three core areas:
Personal goals (health, energy, habits)
Relationship goals (connection, boundaries, support)
Professional goals (alignment, contribution, growth)
By giving thought to each area, you create a clearer path forward. This helps eliminate the pressure to ‘fix everything’ in January and instead positions the holiday break as a time for meaningful reflection.
Reflection is one of the most underused tools for burnout recovery. When you take time to review your year and set intentions for the next, you're not only reclaiming agency—you’re planting seeds for a more aligned life. By starting this reflection during the quieter days of the holiday period, you position yourself to start the new year with intention.
"You might experience some physical signs of exhaustion, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or a racing mind." ~ Stephanie Rumble
The truth is, December stress doesn’t have to steal your joy. With a little awareness and a few key changes, the season can be a time of renewal, not exhaustion.
Let this be the year you prioritise your wellbeing, practise emotional regulation, and shift from chaos to calm. If you're ready to reclaim how you feel in your body, your wardrobe, or your mindset, explore Stephanie's styling and personal shopping services and discover how much lighter life can feel with expert support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christmas burnout and how can I prevent it?
Christmas burnout is a sense of emotional, physical, and mental fatigue caused by a busy festive season. It often stems from high expectations, a packed calendar, and trying to do too much. Preventing it starts with recognising the signs early and planning moments of rest. Creating space for joy, simplifying plans, and being mindful of your energy are great ways to stay balanced during the holidays.
How do I manage family expectations without guilt?
Managing family expectations starts with clear communication and setting gentle boundaries. It’s perfectly okay to create new traditions that better reflect your lifestyle and needs. Stephanie Rumble talks about how being realistic and open with loved ones can make the season more enjoyable for everyone.
What are some signs that I’m over committing myself?
Signs of over commitment can include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and feeling like you're constantly rushing. If your calendar feels overwhelming or you’re dreading social events, it might be time to reassess your schedule. Even a few small changes can have a big impact on your peace of mind.
Can I still enjoy the holidays if I have a packed schedule?
Absolutely! A full calendar doesn’t have to mean stress. The key is to be intentional with your time and prioritise what brings you joy. Saying yes to what energises you and no to what drains you can transform how you experience the season.
How does financial pressure affect my mental wellbeing?
Financial pressure during the holidays can create underlying stress, even if it's not openly acknowledged. Planning ahead, setting budgets, and focusing on meaningful experiences instead of overspending can ease that pressure. Stephanie encourages mindful gifting and realistic expectations around money.
What are some simple self-care tips for December?
Sticking to a sleep schedule, planning light meals, staying active, and carving out quiet time are excellent ways to maintain balance. These small acts of care help you stay grounded and energised. Stephanie’s podcast offers down-to-earth ideas you can start using right away.
How do I manage perfectionism during the holidays?
Let go of the idea that everything must be flawless. Perfect holidays are a myth—what matters most is how you feel. Focus on connection, not performance. Embracing imperfection allows for more joy and far less pressure.
What can I do to protect my emotional energy?
Protecting emotional energy starts with choosing what aligns with your needs. Simplify your plans, stay connected to people who lift you up, and build in time to recharge. One option is to explore Stephanie's accountability coaching, which provides structure, clarity, and encouragement to help you stay grounded through the festive season.
How can I reflect and reset over the holiday break?
The quieter days between Christmas and New Year are ideal for reflection. Journaling, reviewing your goals, and thinking about how you want to feel in the year ahead can help you start fresh. Stephanie suggests planning in categories—personal, professional, and relationships—to give structure to your reset.
Where can I get support if I feel overwhelmed?
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone—and there are positive steps you can take. Listening to grounded, practical guidance like Stephanie's podcast is a great first move. You can also book a session or explore her coaching options if you're looking for structured, supportive ways to feel more in control.
