Setting Boundaries During the Holidays
The holidays can bring joy, but also pressure — to attend every event, please everyone, or keep the peace.
Setting emotional boundaries helps you protect your energy so you can show up as your best, most authentic self.
1. Know Your Limits
Pause before saying yes. Ask yourself:
Do I have the time or energy for this?
Will this leave me feeling drained or peaceful?
Listening to your body’s signals helps you decide what’s right for you.
2. Communicate Clearly
Boundaries don’t have to sound harsh. You can be kind and firm:
“I’m looking forward to seeing you, but I can only stay for an hour.”
“That topic feels hard for me right now — can we talk about something else?”
3. Release the Guilt
It’s natural to feel uncomfortable when you start setting limits.
Remind yourself: saying no to something that depletes you means saying yes to your own well-being.
4. Create Buffer Time
Plan quiet time before and after big events to rest or decompress.
Even 10 minutes of calm can help you reset and stay centered.
5. Remember What You Can Control
You can’t control how others react, only how you care for yourself.
Boundaries are about self-respect, not control.
Reflection Prompts
What drains my energy most during the holidays?
What helps me recover when I feel overwhelmed?
What’s one boundary I can practice saying out loud this week?
Healthy boundaries are an act of love; for yourself and for the relationships you value most.