If Christmas leaves you exhausted, sick, emotionally stretched, or mentally fried every single year, you’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not the only one. For so many women, Christmas isn’t “the most wonderful time of the year”… it’s the season of pressure, panic, and pretending everything’s fine.
And honestly? It’s time we stopped normalising festive burnout.
This week on The Her Shift Podcast, I’m diving into why December feels like a full-time job for women — and how to break the cycle so you can actually enjoy Christmas instead of recovering from it.
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🎄 Why Christmas Burnout Happens (Especially for Women)
Let’s be brutally real: women shoulder the majority of the emotional, mental, and logistical load of Christmas.
We’re the ones:
• buying the gifts,
• organising the food,
• managing the calendar,
• remembering everyone’s traditions,
• trying not to upset anyone,
• keeping the magic alive,
• and somehow “holding the vibe.”
And we do all of that while also working, parenting, cleaning, cooking, healing, juggling our cycles, and trying not to scream into a bauble.
It’s no wonder women hit Boxing Day burnout every single year.
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🎁 My Christmas Shift: From Survival Mode to Actual Joy
For years, I was in total survival mode — sick by mid-December, snapping at everyone, running on adrenaline and guilt, and collapsing after Boxing Day wondering why I felt so resentful.
The truth?
I hadn’t enjoyed Christmas in years. I was too busy performing it.
Everything changed when I shifted my entire approach:
I start planning in November, I listen to my energy, I set boundaries, and I actually ask for help.
This is what I talk through in this episode of The Her Shift Podcast — because your Christmas doesn’t have to break you.
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✨ How to Stop Burning Out at Christmas: The Highlights from the Episode
1. Start in November (Yes, really)
When you prep early, December becomes lighter. You get to breathe, enjoy moments, and avoid last-minute panic.
2. Plan with your energy, not pressure
Sync to your cycle.
Don’t force high-energy tasks into low-energy phases.
Your body is a guide — not an inconvenience.
3. Boundaries are non-negotiable
You’re allowed to say no.
You’re allowed to let go of old traditions.
You’re allowed to choose what works for you.
4. Delegate like a boss
Stop treating Christmas like a solo performance. Ask for help. Share tasks. Let people step up.
5. Put joy in the diary first
Fun is not optional.
Schedule it like you’d schedule a dentist appointment — as in, actually put it in the calendar.
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🔍 What Everyone Is Googling Right Now (and What I Answer in the Episode)
• How do I avoid Christmas burnout?
• Why is Christmas so stressful for women?
• How can I prep early and reduce stress?
• How do I set boundaries at Christmas without guilt?
• How do I stop feeling obliged to do everything?
• What does a calmer Christmas actually look like?
If you’ve been googling any of these… this episode has your name on it.
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🎧 Listen to This Episode on The Her Shift Podcast
This blog post is the cosy warm-up — the full conversation goes muchdeeper.
👉 Listen now on The Her Shift Podcast
Every week, I talk about PMDD, trauma recovery, boundaries, emotional resilience, feminine healing, self-worth, and all the real-life messy bits in between. If you love honest, practical, empowering conversations, you’ll feel right at home.
Make sure you hit follow or subscribe on your app so you never miss an episode.
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💬 Before You Go: Ask Yourself This…
How do you want to feel this Christmas?
Calm? Rested? Joyful? Connected? Supported?
Write it down.
Let that be your starting point.
Everything else builds from there.
Her Shift with Anna Pearce-Roberts 
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