How to Sanely Get Through December
Thriving During the Party Season
Photo: Shamblen Studios
Nahid de Belgeonne, “the nervous system whisperer” is an Author and somatic movement educator. She specialises in helping clients through burnout, anxiety, and trauma-related issues with The Soothe Programme, workshops and retreats.
How are you doing this week? December came around fast this year, I suspect I say this every year. My month starts with my wedding anniversary on the 7th - we will have been married for 24 years tomorrow. The mister is still my favourite person to hang out with. I’ve declined events and will have a gentle slide into Christmas. On the day, I’ll go for an early morning walk, I’ll have something simple to eat before I fly off to teach at Six Senses in Portugal. Gentle is what I crave at the end of a busy year. I’ve learnt to be selfish about how I spend my time. That said these last few years I have been happy to visit my mother-in-law. Over the years, I’ve engineered the gathering with a few gentle rules, we all agree on the theme of the meal and cook a few dishes to share the costs and the work. I hate the over-consumption, and so ask for no gifts, for me at least. It has become a lovely way to gather. It is important to examine and explore new ways to do things over the years. You need to have a few things in place and then go with the flow. With that in mind, here are 10 ways to sail through December.
1. Set Clear Intentions for the Season
Before diving into the chaos, pause and reflect: What do you truly want from December? Is it to feel connected, have fun, or simply survive without overwhelm? Setting a clear intention helps you prioritise and say "yes" to what aligns with your goals—and "no" to what doesn’t.
Write down three feelings you want to cultivate this season, like “calm,” “joyful,” or “grounded.” Use these as a guide when making decisions.
Virginia Marinova
2. Balance Socialising with Rest
With parties and events filling your calendar, it’s tempting to attend everything. But overcommitting can lead to exhaustion. Protect your energy by balancing your social engagements with downtime.
Pace yourself: Limit yourself to one or two events per week.
Plan rest days: Block out time to recharge, whether it’s a cozy night at home or a gentle movement or breathing session. Schedule 20 minutes of rest every day while you are off work.
Skip guilt: It’s okay to decline an invitation—decide who and where you want to spend your precious time.
3. Stay Grounded with Breath and Movement
The hustle and bustle of December can pull you into a stress spiral. Grounding practices, like conscious breathing or gentle somatic movements, can help you stay centred amid the chaos.
Try this breathing exercise: Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. This soothes your nervous system and calms anxiety.
Incorporate movement: Shake off stress or big emotions, dance, or take a brisk walk to release tension and re-energise.
Toa Heftiba
4. Navigate Food and Drink Mindfully
Holiday spreads and cocktails are part of the fun, but they can also lead to overindulgence and guilt. Strike a balance between enjoying the treats and sensing how you feel.
Eat before events: Have a small, nutritious protein snack so you’re not ravenous.
Hydrate: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated and avoid hangovers.
Savor treats: Indulge in your favourite holiday foods mindfully—slow down and truly enjoy them.
Traxer
5. Protect Your Financial and Emotional Boundaries
Gift-giving, travel, and hosting can strain your budget and your emotions. Set clear boundaries to avoid unnecessary stress.
Gifts: Consider making things for people, chutneys, ferments, or pot up some bulbs – we don’t need more things.
Delegate tasks: Don’t take on the entire holiday workload. Share responsibilities with family or friends. Decide on the theme and get everyone to bring a dish or two. And agree on a washing up rota in advance.
Limit time with difficult people: If certain gatherings are emotionally draining, set boundaries for how long you’ll stay or opt-out.
6. Embrace the Power of Saying No
It’s easy to feel obligated to say “yes” to every invitation, but doing so can leave you depleted. Saying “no” gracefully is an act of self-care.
Practice a polite decline: “I’d love to, but I have other commitments.”
Prioritise joy: Save your energy for events and people that truly lift you up.
7. Create Your Own Moments of Joy
December doesn’t have to be defined by others’ expectations. Take charge of your experience by creating your own moments of joy and relaxation.
Make time for hobbies: Whether it’s baking, painting, or reading by the fire, engage in activities that nourish your spirit.
Set traditions: Create small rituals that bring meaning, like everyone saying what they are grateful for before lunch or a family walk in the afternoon.
8. Plan Ahead for the New Year
The end of December often feels like a rush to finish unfinished tasks. Instead of cramming, set realistic goals and leave some tasks for January.
Use this time for reflection rather than resolutions. Celebrate your accomplishments and set gentle intentions for the year ahead.
9. Lean on Your Support Network
If the season feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional if you need support. I’m a big fan of long “walk and talk” to clear my head. Sharing how you feel can lighten the load.
10. Let Go of Perfection
Above all, remember that the holiday season doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Embrace imperfection, let go of comparisons, and focus on the moments that really matter.
For paid subscribers: I have uploaded a somatic movement lesson to get out of your head and drop into your body. You will need a thick blanket for the practice.
Thank you for reading.
Stay human,
Nahid x
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