Self-Care at Christmas and the Holidays

Looking After Yourself During the Busiest Time of the Year

For many people, Christmas is a season of joy, connection, and celebration. But it can also be one of the most demanding times of the year. The pressure to see everyone, juggle family expectations, manage children home from school, meet work deadlines and still “enjoy the moment” can quickly become overwhelming.

If you’re feeling stretched, tired or emotionally drained, you’re not alone. Practising self-care over the festive season and holiday period isn’t selfish - it’s essential.

The end of the year often brings multiple pressures at once. Packed calendars filled with social events and family gatherings can leave little downtime, while emotional dynamics often resurface when families come together. For many households, children are adjusting to disrupted routines and long school holidays, adding another layer of complexity to daily life and the challenge of work/life balance. At the same time, ongoing work commitments and financial pressures don’t disappear, and expectations from those around you can increase.

When all of this is combined with the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas or plan amazing school holiday activities - it leaves very little space to rest, reflect or simply breathe.

Finding Balance When Seeing Family and Friends

Catching up with loved ones can be meaningful and exhausting. It’s okay to:

• Set limits on how many events you attend

• Say no to invitations when your energy is low

• Keep visits short if long gatherings feel overwhelming

• Create small breaks during social events to step outside or find quiet

You don’t have to please everyone to have a good Christmas.

Managing Children Home from School

School holidays can be both joyful and challenging. Changes to routine can impact children’s behaviour and parents’ energy levels. The work and school holiday balance can be a real struggle. Helpful strategies include:

• Keeping some daily structure, even during holidays

• Lowering expectations - not every day needs to be productive

• Sharing responsibilities where possible

• Allowing time for rest, both for children and yourself.

Remember, being present when you can matters more than doing everything, and you can only do what you can do. Some of us need to work, some of us can take leave, you are doing the best that you can.

Balancing Work and Family Commitments

For many people, work doesn’t stop just because it’s Christmas. If you’re juggling competing demands:

• Prioritise what truly needs to be done

• Set clear boundaries around work hours where possible

• Let go of perfection - “good enough” is often enough

• Ask for support or flexibility if you need it.

Balance looks different for everyone, and it’s okay if it shifts from day to day.

Practical Self-Care Tips for the Christmas and School Holiday Season

Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. Small, intentional goals or actions can make a big difference:

• Take short moments of quiet, even five minutes can help reset

• Move your body in ways that feel gentle and enjoyable

• Eat regularly and stay hydrated amid the busyness

• Notice how you’re feeling emotionally, without judgement

• Reach out to someone you trust if things feel heavy.

Giving Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Christmas is often portrayed as a time of constant happiness. In reality, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions - joy, grief, stress, gratitude or loneliness. Giving yourself permission to slow down, feel what you feel and care for yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

This season, try to be as kind to yourself as you are to others. Looking after your own wellbeing helps you show up more fully - not just at Christmas, but into the year ahead.

When to Seek Help

If the stress of the Christmas and school holiday season feels overwhelming or begins to affect your sleep, relationships, mood or ability to cope day to day, it may be time to reach out for extra support.

You don’t have to wait until things reach a crisis point - speaking with a professional can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and find practical ways forward. Support is especially important if feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or exhaustion are persistent, or if you’re carrying additional challenges such as grief, relationship difficulties, or financial stress.

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available:

• The Rosewood Centre – Professional counselling and psychological services for individuals, couples and families: www.rosewoodcentre.com.au (we are closed between 25 December 2025 and 5 January 2026 - see attached Mental Health Resources Brochure)

• Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 or via https://www.lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue – Support for anxiety and depression at https://www.beyondblue.org.au or on 1300 22 4636

Reaching out is a sign of strength, and support can make a real difference, during Christmas and beyond.