It may be the holiday season, but you are allowed to say no.

The holiday season comes around and stays around for weeks. With it, comes a lot of baggage - both good and bad - affecting people in our community differently. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but for some of those who do, they look forward to it all year long; their decorations go up as soon as possible, they book time off work, and they start filling their calendars with social events. Others get anxious around this time of year because they cannot take time of work, there is a lot of pressure to buy presents and visit people, or there are not enough people to celebrate Christmas with. Most of us are somewhere in the middle - I am for sure.

Regardless of your situation, it is important to create and maintain boundaries that work for you. You're supposed to go to your big family dinner, but you feel burnt out when the big day rolls around? Don't go. You have a series of lunches or walks planned with friends who are in town, but you just want some alone time? Be honest with them! Your kids are sick on the day you planned to clean your house in preparation for people coming over? Don't feel guilty, lower your expectations for yourself. It is ok, and people will understand better than you expect.  

While there is a lot to look forward to in the next couple of weeks, many families may not be celebrating the same way they used to due to financial strain with inflation, or the loss of a family member, or a tough period with their mental health. Take care of yourself, take care of others if you can, and lets all show kindness and respect.