CMHA-Boundaries Over The Holidays

 

Hello everyone, The holidays can bring joy, connection, and celebration, but also expectations, emotional labour, and pressure to show up in ways that stretch your capacity. If you feel pulled in every direction right now, you’re not alone. Here are a few grounding reminders as you navigate the season: You’re not required to say yes to everything. Holiday pressure is real: hosting, gifting, attending events, supporting family, managing emotions. Boundaries protect your energy so you can actually enjoy this time instead of enduring it. Your emotional labour has limits. If you often become the planner, the mediator, or the person who “keeps the peace,” it’s okay to step back. You don’t owe anyone perfect emotional management. Social burnout is valid. You can love your family and still feel overwhelmed. You can enjoy gatherings and still need space. You can celebrate the season without overextending yourself. Your “no” creates room for intentional yeses. Rest. Slow mornings. Smaller gatherings. Quiet joy. All of this counts as holiday magic too. You’re allowed to protect your peace. Not responding right away. Choosing one event instead of five. Setting time limits. Leaving early. It all counts as self-care. Wrap-Up: This season, honour your capacity. Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re bridges back to yourself.   Gentle scripts and reminders for a season that asks a lot of you. The Direct & Kind No: “Thank you for thinking of me. I’m keeping my schedule lighter this year, so I won’t be able to make it. I hope it’s a lovely time.” The Emotional Labour Boundary: “I’d love to support where I can, but I can’t take on planning or organizing this year. Please let me know what feels manageable for you.” The Social Burnout Reframe: “I’m choosing rest over extra plans right now so I can actually enjoy the holidays. Let’s connect when life feels a bit calmer.” Take good care, Your Peer Mentor Team