Episode Details
Back to Episodes113: Reducing Holiday Overwhelm by Setting Personal Boundaries
Description
This week, we’re exploring what it actually looks like to simplify your holidays—not just by cutting back on decor or gift clutter, but by setting personal boundaries that make the season joyful instead of stressful.
If you’re navigating complicated expectations, travel pressure, or family disappointment, this episode offers a compassionate and research-backed look at why setting boundaries is healthy, not harsh.
What to expect:
• Why simplifying the holidays isn’t only about traditions—it's about emotional clarity and autonomy
• My own story of choosing to not travel during Christmas while our kids are young
• What “personal boundaries” really mean—hint: they’re choices you make for yourself, not rules you impose on others
• Three research-backed benefits of healthy boundaries• A short 5-question checklist to help you decide if a holiday obligation is right for your family this year.
PARING DOWN (SHANNON LEYKO):
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OTHER HOLIDAY EPISODES
Episode 61: Simplifying Holiday Traditions
Episode 3: Avoiding Holiday Clutter with Karla Graves
Episode 7: Making Holiday Decor Meaningful
Episode 8: What the Bible Says About Our Stuff with Hanna Seymour
Episode 9: Leaning Into the Season of Giving (Where to Donate Your Stuff)
Episode 10: Why We Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Molly Stillman
Episode 11: Where Do Popular Christmas Traditions Come From? with Molly Stillman
PARING DOWN RESOURCES:
Free Decluttering Checklist
10 Life-Changing Decluttering Hacks (free)