The Holidays Aren’t Just Merry – They’re Messy
Somewhere between the peppermint mochas (my fav!) and glittering string lights, the holidays can sneak up on us like a tidal wave of shoulds.
You should host. You should attend. You should volunteer. You should be grateful.
But when every hour feels overstuffed and every ask sounds urgent, peace can feel like a luxury or worse, a guilt trip.
This is your consent form to choose something softer.
Not burnout. Not bypassing. Just a softer yes.
In this season of giving, let’s also practice receiving clarity, stillness, and joy. (Even in a very packed, very energized outlet parking lot.)
The Pressure to Perform – In Work, Life, and Family
For leaders — especially in service-based industries — December is a paradox.
Your team is winding down while the workload ramps up.
Clients want everything “before the break.”
And the pressure to show up for your loved ones (and your role) at full capacity never lets up.
You might find yourself:
- Taking on “one more thing” because it’s easier than saying no
- Accepting invitations out of obligation, not joy
- Nodding through exhaustion because you want to “be there” for everyone
This isn’t about overgiving (we dove into that in November). This is about emotional overcapacity when the cup is already full, but you’re still trying to pour.
And yes, that kind of quiet stress counts too.
The Soft Yes – A New Kind of Holiday Response
So what’s a Soft Yes?
It’s not a passive yes. It’s a conscious one.
It’s not people-pleasing. It’s energy-respecting.
The Soft Yes sounds like:
- “I’d love to be part of that, but only if it’s after the new year.”
- “That sounds amazing. I don’t have the bandwidth, but I can recommend someone.”
- “I’m saying yes to rest this weekend, maybe next time?”
The Soft Yes honors your calendar, your energy, and your capacity. It’s the middle ground between doing everything and disappearing.
It creates space for:
- Presence without performance
- Celebration without depletion
- Connection without cost
It’s about being fully you, not the overstretched version of you the season often demands.
How to Practice the Soft Yes (Without Guilt)
Ready to try it?
Here’s a quick reframe for navigating asks this season:
- Pause Before You Respond
Buy yourself space. “Let me check my calendar and get back to you” is a gift. - Check for Alignment
Does this “yes” align with your values, your current season, or your actual energy? - Rewrite the Yes
Can you soften it? Delay it? Delegate it? Share it? A soft yes can still be a powerful contribution. - Communicate With Care
Lead with warmth: “Thank you so much for thinking of me…”
Close with boundaries: “…and I’m saying yes to rest right now.”
A Game to Practice Saying Yes to Peace
Because we all need a little fun even in the midst of all the logistics.
This month’s downloadable isn’t a checklist. It’s a challenge.
🎁 Choose Your Calm: The December Soft Yes Challenge
- 9 playful prompts designed to help you choose peace over pressure
- A mix of reflection and action (including delight-based decisions!)
- BONUS: Submit your completed card for a chance to win a calming box of goodies
No stress. No hustle. Just a little accountability and a lot of good energy.
👉 [Download the Soft Yes Challenge Card]
Peace Isn’t Passive. It’s a Practice.
You’re allowed to want more ease.
You’re allowed to step back without explanation.
You’re allowed to choose peace even in December.
Especially in December.
This season, say yes to what truly matters.
To what lights you up.
To what brings you back home to yourself.
'Tis this season for peace. Say yes to presence. Say yes softly.
Download the Soft Yes Challenge and email howdy@heatherholloway.com with a pic of you when you complete it. Three entries will win a calming box of handpicked goodies in January!