Preparing for the Holidays When You Have Limited Energy
The holidays hardly ever seem to arrive slowly, barreling in with a to-do list longer than most people’s energy reserves. And if you’re navigating chronic illness or disability along with it, the pressure hits immensely. You want to show up. You want to be present. You also don’t want to spend the next three weeks recovering from one overly-ambitious afternoon.
So let’s talk about preparing for the holidays in a way that protects your energy and still lets you feel connected to what matters.
Pick Your “Non-Negotiables”
Before things get busy, decide what you’d like to prioritize this season. Maybe it’s getting Christmas shopping done early, baking one family recipe, or showing up for a family gathering. When you name your non-negotiables, you can release everything that doesn’t make the cut. You aren’t lowering expectations in doing so, but better honoring your reality.
Keep Plans Flexible (Even If Everyone Else Isn’t)
It’s okay to tell people, “My energy changes day to day, so I’ll let you know the morning of.” Most people will understand. And if they don’t, that’s no longer your burden to carry. Flexibility gives you room to listen to your body instead of pushing it past its limits.
Make One Thing Easy
Pick something that usually drains you and simplify it: gifts, meals, travel, decorating—whatever feels like “a lot.”
This might look like:
•Buying only three gifts instead of ten
•Choosing limited gatherings to attend
•Order pickup/delivery groceries instead of going in person
•Picking one tradition instead of trying to check off the entire list
It’s important to remind yourself that finding easier ways of doing things isn’t lazy, but strategic.
Build in Recovery Time
Plan for recovery before you need it. If you have a gathering on Saturday, block off Sunday. If your week looks overwhelmingly busy, give yourself permission to cancel or rain-check something. Recovery time isn’t optional when your energy is limited—it’s part of the plan.
Find the Small, Real Moments of Connection
You don’t need big, elaborate traditions to feel the season. Sometimes the most grounding things are tiny: resting with a book by the fire, putting on your favorite music while you cook, making a cup of tea while watching your comfort show. These small moments make it easier to feel the festivity of the season as a whole as opposed to only focusing our energy on the bigger gatherings and to-do’s.
Release the Guilt (Seriously)
You’re not failing this holiday season if you’re doing it differently. You’re adapting, listening, and choosing sustainability over burnout. That growth is not guilt-worthy!!
If there’s anything the holidays teach us, it’s that presence matters more than anything else. And for those of us navigating limited energy, showing up in the small, intentional ways is more than enough.
You’re allowed to shape this season in the way that feels doable, peaceful, and kind to your body. You deserve it.
