🎄 Too Early to Mention the ‘C’ Word?

It might feel far too early to say it out loud… but Christmas is quietly making its way onto the horizon.
The shops are filling with sparkly things, emails are hinting at “early offers”, and suddenly it feels like the calm autumn rhythm we were just beginning to enjoy is about to be replaced by lists, plans and pressure.

So before the chaos creeps in — let’s pause.
Let’s talk about preparing emotionally for the busy season ahead.

Because you deserve to arrive in December feeling grounded, not frazzled. I am doing things differently this year. My children are older and traditions are changing. We are focusing more on being together and having ‘experiences’ than spending lots of money. It has been all too easy for me to spoil them and buy so many gifts so that they have a good Christmas but this year with my income being uncertain due to being self employed I am just not comfortable with it.

I thought long and hard about what ‘different’ looks like and for me being emotionally prepared is going to be key.

1. Create space before it fills

Just like decluttering a cupboard before new things arrive, clearing emotional space matters too.
Ask yourself:

• What can I let go of this year?

• What expectations am I tired of meeting?
  Maybe it’s doing all the events, or buying the perfect gifts for everyone. It’s okay to make different choices this time.

I am letting go of the idea that presents mean happiness. That the more I spend on my children the happier they will be. This is simply not true. A couple of thoughtful, well meant gifts will hit just the same and the only person who feels like this is me. My children just love Christmas, for all the sparkly joy it is - it really isnt about the gifts. I need to repeat this to myself as my love language has always been ‘treating’ them. It is just going to look different this year.

2. Anchor into calm routines now

When life speeds up, the small rituals we already have in place keep us steady.
Think morning journalling, evening walks, quiet cups of tea before bed. These aren’t luxuries — they’re anchors.
Protect them now, so they protect you later.

My main anchor is a lit candle and an hour for myself on an evening in my bedroom. I either watch TV, read, do self care, journal…that hour is so precious and something I look forward to each day.

3. Plan from intention, not obligation

Before the invites, the to-do lists, and the endless “shoulds” take over — take a moment to ask:

What do I want this season to feel like?

Peaceful? Joyful? Slow and cosy?
Let that be your guiding word. It will help you make aligned decisions about what to say yes to — and what to gently decline.

We know how busy things can get. By setting some boundaries and intentions now we can protect ourselves from feeling like we are doing things that we should do and only do things we want to do. It may mean saying no, but remember that this is perfectly fine. You are allowed to step back, protect your peace and say no to things that don’t serve you. If you really can’t face the office Christmas party or the family get together that fills you with dread then say -’I’m sorry I can’t make it this year.’ You don’t need to explain yourself. You just need to hold on to what fills your cup - not what drains it.

4. Schedule rest as you would an event

Write it in your calendar. A slow Sunday. An early night. A day with no plans.
Rest doesn’t just happen — it’s chosen.
And when you protect your energy, you get to actually enjoy the season rather than simply survive it.

It may seem silly to write some things like this in your diary but honestly it works wonders. I schedule 9pm -10pm as ‘me time’ every night. There are other things that are non negotiable, having my nails done, a facial every 3 months, a reset Sunday once a month. These are all pencilled in my diary. Just like I show up for my clients, I show up for myself.

If you don’t plan it. It doesnt happen.

5. Give yourself permission to do it differently

Maybe this year you buy fewer gifts, simplify the meal, or choose experiences over stuff. Maybe you even book time for yourself — a coaching call, a reset day, a moment to breathe.
You don’t need to earn rest or joy. You simply need to decide it matters.

So no, it’s not too early to mention the C word —
because now is the perfect time to set the tone for how you want the rest of the year to feel.

Want to chat more about this? Book a free discovery call — and let’s help you finish the year feeling grounded and proud of how far you’ve come.