How to make it through the festive party season without needing a three-day lie-down afterwards
Navigating Christmas parties and events without burning out
December has a way of filling up fast - work dos, school things, neighbourhood drinks, family gatherings. Some of it is enjoyable, some of it might feel like an obligation, and whether you are enjoying them or not, all those events on top of each other can be tiring.
If you’re trying to keep things manageable this year, here are a few practical ideas that might help.
Start with your capacity
Before calendars disappear under a sea of RSVPs, take a quiet moment to look at your calendar. Think about:
How much energy you have
What sort of events make you happy, and which ones are more of a struggle
How many events in a row you can cope with and when you will need a break
Once you’ve worked out what you can manage, you can set some boundaries and plan your rejection strategy if you need to. Remember, there’s nothing wrong with…
Setting boundaries so you aren’t committed to staying for the whole event
Saying no to some invitations
Changing your mind later on
Most people are pretty understanding, so don’t be afraid to politely say no.
Keeping work events manageable
Work functions can be fun, but they can also become a string of late nights and small talk when you’re already end-of-year tired.
A few things that help:
Decide what you’re willing to attend and let the rest go.
Check if a work friend or colleague you get on with is going, so you have someone to talk to
Give yourself an exit plan — taking your own car, or being clear about timing.
Don’t feel obliged to match anyone else’s drinking or energy levels.
Showing up briefly is still participating. You don’t need to be the last one at the bar.
Lowering the pressure at family gatherings
Family Christmas can be great. It can also be loud, emotional, or simply a lot of people in one place for longer than anyone intended.
Some practical approaches:
Set a rough time you’ll stay, and stick to it.
Share the workload so one person isn’t carrying the whole event.
Take a breather if things get tense — a walk, a quick drive, sitting outside for a few minutes.
Consider organising some things that capture attention, like a movie viewing or playing a game (but make it optional so people don’t feel coerced).
Consider offering to host if you feel more comfortable in your own home and you are happy to have people round. This can work well if you have children, as they can retreat to their own space if they need to.
If you’re introverted (or just running on low battery)
Not everyone finds socialising energising, especially in bulk. Small, doable resets that can help:
Step outside for a few minutes when you need space.
Find a corner or a quieter person to chat to.
Build in downtime on the days around big events.
Choose smaller catch-ups when that’s an option.
Most people have one or two things in December that they genuinely look forward to, and a long list of things they don’t mind but don’t necessarily need.
It’s okay to prioritise the few that matter and treat the rest as optional. And don’t forget to add in some space for errands and other December tasks, and some time where simply nothing happens — instead, you catch up on some sleep, watch your favourite show or read a book, or just sit quietly and relax.