Each year December 1st kicks off an insanely packed six weeks of dinners, shopping, holiday parties, local artisan markets, calls for donations, and a LOT of sugary treats. It can be a socially packed period full of fun activities and, at the same time, filled with high expectations.
There can be an expectation to spend lots of time with friends, families, and/or colleagues. You may feel pressured to reciprocate by giving gifts that are outside of your budget. There can be an expectation to drink alcohol waaaay more often than you normally drink. All of these things can be difficult to navigate.
So how can we participate in all of those fun events and activities, and not burn out? To help us answer this question, we asked our VOTeam for their recommendations.
Q: If you are someone who usually has parties, dinners, and visitors this time of year, how do you recharge your social battery?
Protecting my time by scheduling some downtime and not budging if I get an invitation during that time.
Take some time under a weighted blanket and watch comfort movies.
I love to take walks up Mont Royal or in any park where it’s away from cars and I can walk without pavement under my feet. I also enjoy taking a yoga class before hosting a large group to recenter myself.
Je n’ai pas beaucoup de réunions de famille. Ma famille est petite. Mais, entre les invitations des amis, et les partys de bureau/ famille, je prends du temps pour moi: lecture, exercice. J’essaie de continuer à respecter ma routine et mes heures de sommeil habituels.
By doing low-stress solo activities like reading, watching TV, drawing, taking a bath.
Q: What is your favourite cozy winter activity?
Doing a puzzle with soft Christmas music playing in the background.
Sitting down in front of a fire with hot chocolate after spending time outside in the snow.
Puzzles! I love to pick a puzzle at the start of December, and have it on my table so that I can jump in and out of it during the month, especially during times of stress where I just need to decompress and focus on something simple.
Movie sleepover!
Snowy walks and trying new baking recipes.
Board games and hot chocolate. Watching movies and TV series while cuddling on the couch.
Reading or drawing by the fire (real or YouTube fire).
Q: How do you navigate gatherings that include friends or family members you usually choose not to see?
I try to involve close friends or family members when I interact with them. I prepare some topics they enjoy just to have a small casual conversation if needed.
Mentally preparing for what might come up for me when I see them to feel better equipped when triggers come up in their presence.
I make sure to give space and avoid conversations that may stir up tension (politics, religion, etc.).
I prioritize talking to people whose company I enjoy.
Q: For someone who is a big people pleaser, how do you manage the pressure during this time to please others with thoughtful and/or expensive gifts?
Managing expectations for all. I stick to the budget for gift exchanges and shop ahead of time to avoid the busy season at the mall.
It can be difficult to keep up with gifting during the holiday season for a multitude of reasons, such as financial, energy, or time constraints. Sometimes people pleasers will feel guilty if they don’t give gifts, worrying about what the perception may be, especially if someone has given them a gift that can’t be reciprocated. However, guilt is only warranted if we’ve done something wrong, such as doing something illegal, immoral, or irresponsible (not giving someone a gift is not on the list). Try some role reversal here, when we give gifts are we doing so expecting the other to give us something back? Remember, if you can’t manage a gift this season, you’ve done nothing wrong.
Over the years as my siblings and friends have gotten older, and some of us with children, more in-laws, etc., I’ve learned that just having a conversation about gift giving really helps out. We’re able to assess where we’re at financially and assure no one is overextending themselves. It can be uncomfortable to talk about money and giving gifts, but it’s been really helpful.
Love isn’t expressed by how much money is spent. So I try to give gifts that are home baked or something personalized.
My family is focused on spending time together and being present during that time, laughing, play games and having fun.
I like to make handmade cards. It helps save money, it’s a relaxing pastime, and people appreciate a handmade card.
Q: What are some creative and affordable gift ideas?
Frozen homemade dishes for young families, a recent picture and frame for grandparents, an activity to be enjoyed after the busy season.
Make something! I’m a big crafter so I always make an effort to create a little something I can give to everyone to spread joy. Whether it’s a handmade ornament, a tea blend, candied nuts, or a print of sorts, it’s a great way to give without breaking the bank. A handmade gift always makes someone feel loved so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Framing photos you’ve taken with vintage frames bought second hand, museum tickets, a cozy blanket, unique tea blends, a fun 2026 desk calendar, a french press, or a second hand coffee table book.
Cookies! Also cute “coupons” are always a fun gift for loved ones.
Anything homemade: if you have manual skills to craft, you can make a scrapbook, bake homemade sweets, create jewelry, decorate coffee mugs, or make custom printed objects.
Q: How do you prioritize your mental health during the holidays?
Standing firm on my schedule, and allowing myself to live in a messier space for the holidays so I have more personal time.
Taking breaks whenever I can. It’s hard to juggle different commitments but establishing your calendar early on can help you plan for breaks and stick to them. If someone invites you to something that lands on a day you’ve deemed a ‘break’ day, just say you have plans already but thanks for the invite!
I make sure to do daily check-ins with myself. Journal my headspace and make sure not to overspread myself so I burn out.
As an introvert, I try to schedule time for myself on my own. Keeping my routine is also super important; sleeping and eating as well as you can. Take the time to rest between parties, and do outdoor activities to see the sun.
I make sure to check in with myself regularly to gauge how I’m feeling and my energy levels. I know I can’t do everything, and I’m working on accepting that and not taking on other people’s expectations.
By prioritizing seeing people that fill my cup, not drain it.
Q: Do you have a personal goal for this winter or something you want to try?
I would love to start knitting again.
I want to try to go snowboarding more. I used to go every week when I was younger and loved it so much, but with adult life, and busier schedules, it’s been hard to get back on the slopes.
I would love to improve my ice skating or to get into an outdoor winter activity in general. Winters are long in Montreal, so having something to get outside and be active is a necessity.
Buy skates to ice skate, bake a couple of cakes and cookies, finish reading a couple of books.
Travelling at Christmas instead of spending it at home! We are going to South Africa for 2 weeks! My first time missing Christmas and I couldn’t be happier!
Q: What additional tips do you have to prioritize mental health during the holidays?
In the busyness of the Holidays, I feel disconnected at times, going from excitement celebrating to sitting alone at home. I like to keep the excitement close to my heart by sending messages to my loved ones about a shared experience we had and how it made me feel.
What’s comfortable and safe can be good, but take advantage of this festive time! The year can feel hard, so celebrate with people you like!
I find many people are overwhelmed during the holidays or feel lonely. Reaching out or sending a message to someone reminding them of how much they are cared for, what makes them special or a favourite memory you have with them can often be the best gift.
For me, the holidays are a challenging time mainly due to strained family relations. I grew up loving this time of year but as an adult it feels harder to navigate. I think it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone has endless celebrations to attend. I’ve learned to embrace the holidays as a time to slow down and rest since much of the world grinds to a halt. I also lean into my chosen family, my friends, to create new traditions that feel special.
The holiday season looks different for everyone, and there’s no single “right” way to celebrate—or not celebrate—it. What matters most is finding what feels grounding, joyful, and manageable for you. Whether that means embracing cozy rituals, setting boundaries, keeping traditions, creating new ones, or simply resting, your needs are valid. We hope these reflections from our VOTeam remind you that you’re not alone in navigating this busy time of year. And if you ever need a space to talk, decompress, or feel heard, we’re here for you.
