“Sure, I Have Plenty of Towels…” Navigating Holiday Stress as a People Pleaser
🎄 Feeling like your holiday to-do list is as tall as the Christmas tree? This season, it’s time to stop overcommitting and start prioritizing your needs. Check out the blog for tips on navigating holiday stress as a people-pleaser.
It’s the holidays—a time for joy, giving, and, for many people-pleasers, stretching yourself thinner than Christmas wrapping paper. Maybe you’ve agreed to host the neighborhood cookie exchange, wrap everyone’s gifts, and “sure, of course!” let your cousin’s friend’s dog stay at your house. Sound familiar?
This phenomenon is hilariously captured in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation when Clark Griswold enthusiastically invites his entire extended family to his home for the holidays—only to realize he’s taken on more than he can handle. Like Clark, you might find yourself saying “yes” to every request, hoping to create the perfect holiday for everyone else. But at what cost?
The People-Pleasing Trap
Being the "go-to" person can feel rewarding—until it doesn’t. The desire to make others happy can snowball into resentment or burnout. Think about Elf’s Buddy, trying desperately to connect with his grumpy dad. While his antics are charming, his over-the-top efforts to win approval leave him exhausted (and covered in syrup).
Does any of this resonate? Here’s the good news: you don’t have to play the hero—or the overly enthusiastic elf—this holiday season.
3 Ways to Find Holiday Balance
1. Channel Your Inner Kevin McCallister (Home Alone)
Kevin didn’t ask for much—just pizza and some peace and quiet. Take a page from his book by creating space for what you need. Whether that’s saying “no” to extra tasks or carving out alone time, remember that your happiness matters too.
2. Remember: You’re Not Santa
In The Santa Clause, Scott Calvin learns the hard way that even Santa can’t do it all. Delegate tasks or politely decline requests that stretch you too thin. You’re not responsible for delivering everyone’s perfect holiday.
3. Embrace “Good Enough”
Cindy Lou Who from How the Grinch Stole Christmas reminds us that the season is about connection, not perfection. Let go of the idea that everything has to be picture-perfect. Sometimes, “good enough” is plenty.
The Greatest Gift
This season, give yourself the gift of boundaries. You don’t have to say yes to every request, host every event, or meet every expectation. As Buddy the Elf would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Just make sure you’re singing your own tune.
Ready to rewrite your holiday story? I’m here to help. Let’s talk about how to navigate the holidays with less stress and more joy. 💚 Schedule a consultation HERE.