The 3 Holiday Traps That Keep Us Burnt Out (AND how to avoid them)

Listen, I get it.

The holidays come with a lot of expectations. 

For years, I thought I had to do all the things to make it special. 

Big meals, perfect gifts, the works.

Then one Thanksgiving, I said no more.

We got fries, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.

No entertainment. No hosting. Declined invitations.

Just us. It was glorious. 

No stress, no dishes—just laughter and time with the people I love most. 

And guess what? 

They still talk about it like it was the best holiday ever.

Now this may not be your vibe.

And that's ok. 

But we all have something like this in our lives.

The holidays are supposed to feel magical, but for many of us high-achievers it feels more like a marathon we didn’t train for.  

We’re juggling work deadlines, school holiday concerts, family gatherings, gift shopping, and trying to maintain some semblance of self-care. 

And somewhere along the way, we lose the joy we were so desperate to find.  

You’re ambitious, you care deeply, and you want to show up for everyone. 

But here’s the truth.

The same habits that make us great at what we do can also leave us feeling drained when the holidays roll around.  

That’s why I want to share three holiday traps that keep high-achievers stuck in burnout.

And how you can avoid them starting right now.

Holiday Trap #1: The Perfectionism Pitfall 

You know how this goes:  

• The gift wrapping must be flawless.  
• Your house? Pinterest-worthy, of course.  
• The holiday meals need to rival a five-star restaurant.  

But striving for perfection doesn’t just steal your time—it steals your energy, too.  

This year, swap “perfect” for intentional. 

Focus on what makes the moment meaningful, not picture-perfect. 

This year, skip the “perfect” table settings.

Use paper plates if it means more time for conversation. Swap “fancy” for fun. 

Holiday Trap #2: The Over-Scheduling Overload 

How many times have you said “yes” to things you didn’t want to do just to keep the peace? 

Whether it’s back-to-back parties.

Or taking on extra work because “nobody else will do it”

Over-scheduling is a recipe for burnout.  

Start saying “no” with grace.

It all comes down to how you say it:

1. Be kind.
2. Be clear.
3. Don’t over-explain.

I always say. “I’d love to, but my schedule is full right now. Can we plan for another time?” 

And then can either take it or leave it.

Holiday Trap #3: The Self-Care Sacrifice.

You  think, “I’ll rest once everything is done.”

But “everything” never ends, does it?  

Burnout doesn’t magically disappear just because it’s the holidays. 

In fact, it gets worse when we put ourselves dead last.  

Schedule non-negotiable “you time” into your calendar. 

Even 10-15 minutes a day to breathe, stretch, or sip coffee in silence can make all the difference.  

Treat it like a meeting with yourself.

Want to take these tips and put them into action? 

I created a burnout reduction guide to help you stay ahead of burnout this holiday season. 

It’s simple, actionable, and (most importantly) doable—even if your schedule feels packed.  

You don’t have to show up for everyone.

This season, show up as yourself. 

That’s who your people need most.

You’ve got this,  

Dr. Beckford

Your Burnout Prevention Coach

Whenever you’re ready here are two ways I can help you:

1. Coaching: Joint the waitlist for 1:1 coaching program designed to I help high-achieving women escape burnout and feel in control of their time, energy, and life in 12 weeks
2. Feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? Let’s change that. Book your Complimentary Coaching Call to gain clarity, set boundaries, and feel in control again. Let’s make this your season of calm and focus.