For many, Christmas brings pressure to say yes, to overextend, to please, and to keep the peace — even when our emotional or physical health is at risk. But boundaries aren’t walls. They are acts of care — for yourself and for your wellbeing.
Why boundaries are harder in December
- fear of disappointing others
- cultural ideas about family togetherness
- obligation and guilt
- pressure to keep the peace
- past roles you may have been assigned in childhood
- stress, exhaustion, or burnout
Signs your boundaries need support
- saying yes when you want to say no
- resentment building
- feeling drained after interactions
- anxiety before gatherings
- people pleasing that leaves you exhausted
- feeling responsible for others’ emotions
Healthy boundary examples for December
- “I can’t attend but thank you for thinking of me.”
- “I can stay for an hour, but not the whole day.”
- “I won’t discuss that topic today.”
- “I need some quiet time; I’ll be back shortly.”
- “I’m choosing what’s best for my health this year.”
If boundaries feel difficult, you’re not failing
Many people never grew up in environments where boundaries were modelled.
Therapy can help you:
- identify your boundaries
- communicate them without guilt
- hold them when challenged
- manage anxiety around saying no
- understand the roots of people pleasing
- build emotional resilience
Support during December: Single Session Therapy
If you want immediate help creating a clear, personalised festive boundary plan, SST may be a helpful option.
It gives you space to:
- identify emotional red zones
- prepare scripts
- explore fears around conflict
- design a protective support strategy
- strengthen your sense of self
You don’t need to do this alone.
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