Ever feel like you’re overwhelmed? For working mums in December, that’s probably a rhetorical question! 

Balancing a demanding career with the festive season’s endless to-do lists—gifts to buy, events to plan, children’s activities to attend, and meals to prep—can make even the most organised among us feel stretched too thin.

No matter how much of a time-management ninja or productivity queen you are, overwhelm can sneak in, especially during the holidays. And when it does, that inner chaos often spills into our outer world, leaving us spinning.

December’s unique blend of joy and pressure can magnify the million things we need to do and the person we feel we’re supposed to be. But learning to spot the signs of overwhelm and having strategies to manage it could be the best gift you give yourself this Christmas.

Here are five festive-themed strategies to deal with overwhelm and enjoy a calmer, more meaningful holiday season:

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1. Drop Anchor in the Holiday Storm

When Christmas overwhelm strikes, it can feel like a snowstorm in your brain—racing thoughts, competing demands, and that nagging voice reminding you what hasn’t been done. But the first step to getting back in control is to “drop anchor.”

Why? When we’re overwhelmed, the temptation is to power through or tackle everything at once. However, the best way to navigate the storm is to slow down and ground yourself.

How? Connect with the present moment to step out of the chaos. Use the “five senses” technique:

• Notice five things you can see (e.g., the twinkle of Christmas lights).
• Notice four things you can hear (e.g., carols, the sound of wrapping paper).
• Notice three things you can feel (e.g., the warmth of your favourite holiday sweater).
• Notice two things you can smell (e.g., mulled wine, a fresh pine tree).
• Notice one thing you can taste (e.g., that first sip of hot chocolate).

Plant your feet firmly on the floor, take deep breaths, and let your breath anchor you. Sometimes, the most effective way to clear your mind is to pause amid the holiday hustle.

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2. Create Some Festive Mental Whitespace

Christmas comes with a sleigh-load of mental clutter: gift lists, party RSVPs, work deadlines, and school concerts. All this “mind noise” can leave you feeling like you don’t have room to think.

Why? Capturing all these swirling thoughts gives you clarity and helps you prioritise.

How? Conduct a “holiday brain dump”:

• Grab a notepad (bonus points if it’s festive!).
• Write down everything on your mind—from the Secret Santa gift you need to buy, to the work project you need to finish off.
• Avoid using your phone or laptop; technology can add distractions.

Once it’s all out, you’ll feel lighter and ready to tackle the chaos systematically.

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3. Be Santa Smart: Edit Your Holiday To-Do List

Santa makes a list and checks it twice, but even he doesn’t do everything himself! This step is about sorting your mental list with care and realism.

Why? Many tasks we stress over aren’t as urgent or necessary as we think.

How? Review your list with three “D’s” in mind:

1. Delete: Cross off things that don’t truly matter or are outside your control. Do you really need to hand-make decorations this year?
2. Delegate: Enlist help for tasks someone else can do better, faster, or more joyfully (e.g., let your partner handle stocking stuffers or hire a cleaner before guests arrive).
3. Defer: Push less time-sensitive tasks into the new year. Maybe that big home reorganisation project can wait until January.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help—Christmas magic often comes from teamwork!

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4. Do Less, But With More Christmas Spirit

When every item on your list feels urgent, it’s hard to know where to start. The secret? Do fewer things but with greater purpose and joy.

Why? Trying to do it all dilutes your energy and leaves you missing the moments that matter.

How? Ask yourself:

• What are the three most important things to accomplish this week?
• Which three tasks today will make the biggest difference?

Focus your energy on high-impact activities that bring joy or create meaningful results. Whether it’s decorating the tree with your kids or completing a big work project before the festivities begin,, doing a few things well beats trying to do it all.

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5. Rest, Replenish, and Refocus

By the time we hit Christmas Eve, many of us are running on empty. The late nights, long lists, and endless expectations can leave us physically and emotionally drained.

Why? Rest is your secret weapon to avoid burnout during the holidays.

How? Make time to recharge, even if it feels counterintuitive.

• Take a festive family walk to clear your mind.
• Watch your favourite holiday movie guilt-free.
• Indulge in a cup of tea by the fire with no agenda.

Remember, your energy is renewable, but only if you prioritise rest. Once you’ve replenished your reserves, you’ll feel ready to take on the rest of the season with clarity and purpose.

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Give Yourself the Gift of Calm This Christmas

These strategies are your survival guide to navigating holiday overwhelm with grace and intention. When you drop anchor, declutter your mind, and approach the season with purpose, you’ll find it’s possible to enjoy a joyful and fulfilling December without succumbing to chaos.

This year, let’s aim for a holiday that’s less about doing it all and more about savouring what matters most. After all, the greatest gift you can give yourself (and your family) is a calm, present version of you.

Here’s to a December filled with peace, purpose, and presence.

Nicky