A Softer December
Prefer to listen? You can hear me read the blog here:
I sat on my old couch in my new house yesterday trying to figure out everything I needed to get done before C-day (Christmas). I’m still finalising my move and settling into new routines. I haven’t started Christmas shopping yet, but I think I know what I’m going to buy everyone (I’m kidding myself). I have Christmas parties to attend although I’ve said no to two. I have classes to teach. And ends to tie up at work. And I don’t even have in-laws or kids to worry about, so I can’t quite imagine how you might be feeling if you do.
But if you are anything like me you’re already starting to wonder how you can maximise 2026. The new health plans you’ll start up, the money you’ll make, the holidays you’ll book.
Why do we make it so hard on ourselves? And are we just setting ourselves up for failure?
Why December feels so heavy
Here’s an answer to the first question - women hold the mental & emotional load for this time of the year. I saw a quote on Instagram yesterday by Jordan Desousa that says, “Annual reminder that 95% of that “holiday magic” is actually just the invisible & physical work of women.” If we don’t wear the sparkly earrings, or organise all the presents, or bring plates to all the parties, would this wonderful time of the year even happen? You know the answer to that question.
The invisible work women carry
And the answer to the second questions is deep in your heart too. We have always been set up for failure with the impossible beauty standards, the lower pay, all the invisible labour. So if you get to this time of the year and you are wrecked, it’s because you’ve been carrying so much. And you can see the finish line, only to start it all again on January 2.
I can’t help you solve the pay gap or women’s invisible labour, but I can offer you some softness.
Choosing softness instead of optimisation
What if the answer isn’t a better plan for next year, but a softer December right now? What if you didn’t have to overhaul anything to feel better? What if you didn’t have to optimise 2026 before you’ve even lived through Christmas 2025?
One small thing you can do today
If all of this feels like a lot, give yourself permission to take one thing off your plate today.
Just one.
Drop something, lower your standards on something, or simply say no. That is a soft act of rebellion against December.
I think our tired December brains need softness, not strategy. 2026 will be there in, well, 2026.
Over the next few weeks I’m going to be sharing softer, more grounded ways to ease into 2026 — without pressure, hustle, or fixing yourself. If you’re feeling the December squeeze too, I just want you to know you’re not alone.