Boundaries for the holidays

Welcome, everyone. I’m so glad you’re here. The holiday season brings a mix of emotions — joy, excitement, exhaustion, even guilt. Today, we’re talking about boundaries — not as rigid rules, but as bridges that help us connect more authentically and protect our peace.

Let’s start with the digital side of the season — social media. During the holidays, our feeds fill up with perfectly decorated homes, matching pajamas, and smiling families. And even when we know it’s curated, it can still stir something in us.

Social media tends to show us everyone’s highlight reel — not their reality. The danger is what I call comparison fatigue — that quiet exhaustion that comes from measuring your life against someone else’s.

How many of you have ever scrolled through your feed and thought, ‘Why doesn’t my life look like that? PAUSE Exactly. You’re human. Comparison fatigue might show up as irritability, self-doubt, or that subtle sense of ‘I’m behind.’ One of the healthiest boundaries you can set this season is with your screen.

Technology is a tool, not your boss. The goal isn’t to disappear — it’s to be intentional.

Here are some ideas you can try:

• Schedule specific times to check social media instead of constant scrolling.

• Try a ‘scroll-free’ morning or evening.

• Use Do Not Disturb during meals or gatherings.

• Replace passive scrolling with an intentional connection — text a friend, send a voice note, or look through old photos that make you smile

Next, let’s talk about rest. Our culture equates busyness with worth, especially during the holidays. But rest is not laziness — it’s leadership. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest might look like saying no to a party, leaving early, or spending a day offline. It’s about choosing presence over performance.

Close your eyes for a moment. Picture a peaceful holiday moment that feels authentic to you. What are you doing? Who’s there — or not there? What sounds or smells are around you? Then ask yourself, what does peace look like for me this season?

Holiday Boundary Exercise
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