#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: How you can take back the holidays on your own terms 

Are the holidays stressful for you? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

As a highly sensitive, introverted person myself, I used to dread this season more than I admitted.
Everyone else seemed energized by the gatherings, the noise, the obligations—the very things that drained me.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
There’s nothing wrong with needing the holidays to feel calmer, lighter, and slower than what the world pushes on you.

And the most unconventional truth?
You don’t have to earn your right to protect your energy. You already have it.

Here’s how I approach the holidays differently now—on my terms.

1. Family Gatherings: You’re Allowed to Choose Peace Over Obligation

Most families are a mix of love, personalities, quirks, and unspoken tension.
Some are supportive.
Some are tolerable.
Some are harmful.

If your family is emotionally draining, combative, or genuinely unhealthy, you are allowed to opt out.
This isn’t selfish—it’s self-respect. Sensitive nervous systems absorb stress like sponges. Protecting yourself is an act of wisdom, not guilt.

If your family is simply mildly irritating, consider the gathering as practice:

• Practice staying grounded.

• Practice choosing silence over an argument.

• Practice letting comments roll off your back.

• Practice observing instead of absorbing.

And here’s my unconventional tip:
Don’t waste your sensitivity on trying to “fix” family dynamics. Use it to protect your inner calm instead.

If conflict is predictable (and it usually is), plan how you’ll respond before you walk in the door.
Even one prepared line—“I’m not discussing that today”—can break a lifelong cycle.

2. When There’s Too Much To Do: Slow the Pace, Not Your Worth

Sensitive people often feel pressured to say yes to everything.
But here’s something I wish I’d learned earlier:

Being overwhelmed is not a sign of being incapable—it’s a sign of being overloaded.

Take a breath.
Step back.
Then approach the season like a highly sensitive strategist:

• Make lists before you shop so you’re not overstimulated by crowds.

• Order online guilt-free.

• Plan menus or gift ideas early.

• Group errands so you’re not running all over town.

And here’s the unconventional part:
It’s okay to intentionally do less.
It’s okay to choose smaller gatherings.
It’s okay to skip the ones that drain your spirit.

Ask yourself:

• Who feels good to be around?

• What traditions still feel meaningful?

• What can I let go of this year and feel lighter for it?

Then—this is key—communicate your needs clearly and without apology.
People adjust more easily than we think.

3. Your Holiday, Your Terms

We often forget we have a choice in how we spend this season.

You’re allowed to:

• Choose comfort over chaos.

• Rest instead of perform.

• Take a walk when the room feels too loud.

• Decline what drains you.

• Create your own quiet rituals.

Your sensitivity is not the problem.
Pretending the season doesn’t overwhelm you is.

When you honor your nature, the holidays become something softer
not something to survive, but something that finally fits.