Festive, Not Frazzled: How to Survive (and Maybe Even Enjoy) the Holiday Season
- Michelle Turpin
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Ah, December...
Oh ok you got me!
Yes I do know that it's only November but I have to get in early to make sure you have the tools you need to enjoy December.
Yes, that's right I said "enjoy December"!
Now shhhh and let me finish...
Ah, December.
The month where time speeds up, the to-do lists multiply, and even the fairy lights look slightly stressed.
Between work deadlines, family politics, social expectations, and the vague hope of “getting into the festive spirit,” it’s no wonder most of us end up crawling towards Christmas in a state of mild exhaustion, powered solely by caffeine and mince pies.
So, let’s take a breath.
Because here’s the truth:
You are not contractually obliged to lose your sanity in the name of festive cheer.
Ditch the “Perfect Christmas” Myth
You know that glossy version of Christmas we’re sold every year — the calm, glowing family, colour-coordinated tree, no one arguing about parsnips?
Yeah, that’s marketing. Not real life.
Real life looks like half-wrapped presents on the sofa, someone crying over the turkey timing, and a passive-aggressive debate about whose turn it is to host next year.
So, before you spiral into “I should be more organised / grateful / jolly,” take this as your permission slip:
Good enough is absolutely good enough.
The best memories rarely come from perfect plans — they come from the messy, funny, human moments in between.
Protect Your Peace Like It’s a Last Loo Roll in Lockdown!
You don’t have to go to every event, bake every tray of shortbread, or say yes to every relative’s emotional demand.
Saying no isn’t unkind — it’s wise.
Before you RSVP or agree to yet another Secret Santa, ask yourself:
“Is this nourishing me or depleting me?”
If it’s the latter, you’ve got two words: politely decline.
(And if guilt pipes up, remind it that you’re doing everyone a favour by showing up as your calmer, more grounded self — not your frazzled, silently seething one.)
Create Your Own Quiet Traditions
There’s a reason introverts (and honestly, most humans) fantasise about running away to a cabin at this time of year.
Stillness is sacred — and in December, it’s also rebellious.
Maybe it’s a slow morning with a hot drink before the chaos begins.
Maybe it’s a walk in the cold air after dinner, or five minutes of deep breathing in the bathroom when the house feels like Piccadilly Circus.
You get to choose what feels festive for you.
Peace doesn’t have to be found in the spa. Sometimes it’s found in the loo, hiding with a mince pie. (No judgment.)
Let Go of “New Year, New Me” Pressure
Can we just retire that phrase?
It’s exhausting. You don’t need a complete life overhaul at midnight on the 31st of December, honestly.
Instead, as the year winds down, gently ask:
“What do I want to carry forward — and what do I want to leave behind?”
That’s it. No vision board, no guilt, no “shoulds.”
Just simple, honest reflection.
Remember: You’re Allowed to Feel How You Feel
For some people, Christmas is magical.
For others, it’s lonely, heavy, or bittersweet.
You don’t have to slap on a smile or “be merry” if you’re not feeling it.
Your feelings don’t make you a Grinch — they make you human.
So, if the festive season brings more pressure than peace, try this:
Breathe.
Step back.
Choose one small thing that helps you feel grounded again — a walk, music, journalling, a phone call with someone safe.
Because you deserve to enjoy this season too — or at the very least, to get through it feeling calm, centred, and true to yourself.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do more, give more, or be more.
You just need to be present — in your own beautifully imperfect way.
This December, let’s swap “Festive and Frazzled” for something far more sustainable:
Festive and Free.
Free from guilt.
Free from expectations.
Free to do the season your way.
Want some support staying grounded through the holidays?
Join me for one of my upcoming “Festive, Not Frazzled” workshops — a cosy, practical blend of coaching, mindfulness and hypnotherapy to help you finish the year calm, connected and ready for whatever comes next.
🗓️ 2 hours. 12 people max.
🎁 Real tools. Real calm. No fluff.
To find out all the details and to book your space click here https://www.michelleturpin-coach.co.uk/festivenotfrazzled
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