Early December can feel like climbing a mid-life mountain range—steep, relentless, and somehow getting taller each year. For many women in mid-life, the festive season brings a mix of responsibilities that stack higher than any Christmas tree:
shopping, organising, working, caring, planning, remembering, hosting… and repeating it all tomorrow.
Yet behind the glitter and the expectation to be “on form,” many women quietly carry fatigue, emotional strain, sadness and grief—even grief that others assume should have eased by now. The loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a beloved pet can echo loudly at this time of year. Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and December can magnify those emotions.
This blog offers validation, clarity, and practical support—because you deserve space to breathe and feel like you again.How many of these are you?
How many of these activities can you tick?
- Endless To-Do Lists That Multiply Overnight
Shopping, wrapping, school events, work deadlines, social commitments—December seems to double the workload.
- Carrying the Emotional Load for Everyone Else
From planning meals to remembering every tiny detail, women often become the festive “project manager.”
- Caring for Children, Grandchildren, or Elderly Parents
The emotional and physical labour of caring often increases during the holidays, leaving little energy for yourself.
- Social Pressure to Be Cheerful
Being told to “get into the Christmas spirit” while feeling exhausted, low, or grieving can make things feel even harder.
- Grief That Resurfaces Without Warning
Whether your loss was recent or years ago—grief can be loud in December. Empty chairs, missing voices, changed traditions—your heart notices every one of them.
Five Supportive Tips to Help You Cope During the Festive Season
These tips are written for the woman who does everything for everyone… and deserves a gentler December.
- Give Yourself Permission Not to Be Merry
Allowing your real feelings creates emotional space. You don’t need to perform happiness. The most healing step is acknowledging what’s true for you—whether that’s tiredness, sadness, or overwhelm.
- Create a “Just for Me” Pocket of Time
Even 10 minutes helps the nervous system settle.
Ideas: a quiet cup of tea, a walk with the dog, sitting in your car before going home, journaling, stretching, or simply breathing deeply.
Small moments = big regulation.
- Simplify What You Can—Even If It Feels Unusual
Good enough is more than enough.
– Reduce your gift list
– Buy pre-prepared food
– Say no to events
– Share responsibilities
Lightening your load doesn’t reduce your love; it protects your wellbeing.
- Honour What Hurts Instead of Silencing It
If grief, loss, or painful memories are weighing on you, try:
– Lighting a candle for your person or pet
– Setting aside space to cry, remember, or talk
– Writing their name in a journal
Acknowledging grief makes joy and peace more accessible.
- Reach Out for Emotional Support When You Need It
Talking therapies offer a safe, steady space away from the festive noise—somewhere to unpack the mental load, feel heard, and reconnect with your own needs. You don’t need to carry everything alone.
At Evolve Talking Therapies, you’ll find warmth, understanding and emotional support tailored for mid-life women navigating stress, overload and loss during the festive season.
If December feels heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Book a free discovery call, Ill be here when you feel you are ready.
Warmly, Sue