You’re Not Obligated to Make the Holidays Magical
If you’re feeling pressure to make the holidays special for everyone else—while running on fumes yourself—you’re not alone. Many people, especially caregivers, parents, and those socialized to prioritize others, carry the unspoken expectation to “create magic” this time of year. At Sprout Therapy PDX, we want you to know: you’re not obligated to perform holiday joy. Your well-being matters too.
The Invisible Weight of Holiday Expectations You might be:
Planning meals, gifts, or events on top of your regular load
Managing family dynamics or emotional labor for others
Navigating grief, burnout, or financial stress quietly
Trying to meet expectations that don’t actually reflect your values
Even if you want to make the holidays meaningful, that doesn’t mean it’s your sole responsibility.
You Don’t Have to Be the Holiday Hero Let go of the myth that it’s your job to:
Make the season magical for everyone else
Hold it together even when you’re struggling
Say yes to every invite, tradition, or expectation
You’re allowed to protect your energy. You’re allowed to prioritize your needs.
Redefining What “Holiday Magic” Means Maybe the magic isn’t in the matching pajamas or perfectly curated traditions. Maybe it’s in:
Saying no without guilt
Honoring grief or tenderness
Creating new rituals that reflect who you are now
Letting yourself rest without apology
Therapy Can Help You Set Boundaries & Reclaim Joy At Sprout, we support people who are:
Burned out from caregiving, parenting, or people-pleasing
Navigating complicated relationships with family or the holidays
Looking to create a more sustainable, joyful season on their own terms
You don’t have to earn rest. You’re allowed to want a holiday that feels good to you.
This season, give yourself permission to let go of perfection. You’re not a failure for needing rest. You’re not selfish for protecting your peace. The holidays don’t need to be magical—they just need to be manageable.
Overwhelmed by holiday expectations? Sprout Therapy PDX offers compassionate, affirming therapy for people navigating emotional labor, burnout, and seasonal stress. Reach out today to find a therapist who can help you make space for yourself.