Christmas often feels like a marathon of obligations. Between trying to meet everyone’s expectations and making sure no one feels left out, the joy you hoped to experience can easily get buried under stress and pressure. In this post, I’ll explore how people-pleasing shows up at Christmas, why we fall into these patterns, and what steps you can take to break free from the cycle.

Whether it’s agreeing to yet another work task, making time for that friend who only ever calls when they need something, or taking on family commitments that leave you feeling resentful and depleted, it’s exhausting. For those who have spent a lifetime putting others first, the idea of explicitly setting boundaries can make you feel sick with anxiety and like your body’s going into battle.

So, what does setting boundaries really mean? And why is it so hard, especially when you’ve been conditioned to people-please, avoid conflict, or seek approval at all costs?