For many carers — people supporting a loved one with disability, chronic illness, mental health challenges or ageing-related needs — the so-called “silly season” doesn’t feel silly at all. In fact, it can feel downright ludicrous.
Between appointments, paperwork, family needs and the constant emotional load of caring, the holidays often become just one more thing on an already overflowing to-do list.
In our recent Make Time for What Matters workshop for carers, people shared feeling:
- Overwhelmed by clutter and paperwork
- Drowned by pain and fatigue, with a house that feels “too hard”
- Swamped by other people’s stuff (partners who keep everything, parents who never threw anything out)
- Torn between too many hobbies, jobs and expectations
And yet, they also shared beautiful, grounding moments that do recharge them: sewing for grandkids, watching the cricket, doing Wordle and cryptic puzzles, singing in a choir, board-game nights with friends, community coffee catch-ups, crafting days and simple pyjamas-and-painting time at home.
This blog is a short, practical wrap-up of the workshop to help you move through the holidays – and into 2026 – with more intention and a little more breathing space.
Reflect Before You Rush
Instead of charging into the holidays on autopilot, take 10–15 minutes to reflect.
Try these questions (you can jot answers in a notebook or on your phone):
- What felt heavy this year?
(Paperwork, appointments, house tasks, decision-making, other people’s expectations?) - What genuinely helped my wellbeing?
(Walks, online exercise classes, choir, craft, puzzles, quiet nights in, help from others?) - What do I not want to repeat next year?
(Overcommitting, saying yes to everything, doing all the thinking for everyone?)
You don’t need perfect answers. The goal is simply to notice patterns so you can make different choices going forward.
Reset Holiday Expectations
Holidays come with a lot of “shoulds”:
- I should host
- I should do a big clean
- I should buy lots of gifts
- I should keep every tradition going
As a carer, your energy and capacity are already stretched.
Instead, ask:
- What actually matters to me and my family this year?
(Connection? Rest? Simple food? One nice outing?) - Which “shoulds” can I let go of?
- Smaller lunch instead of a feast
- One shared present instead of many
- Visiting people on a different day
- Where can I ask for help or change the format?
- Share-the-food lunch instead of doing it all yourself
- Celebrate on Christmas Eve so adult kids can see partners on the day
- Invite friends over with their own crafts/games/streaming and make it a low-pressure catch-up
Tiny shifts in expectations can save a huge amount of stress.
Lighten the Load at Home (Just a Little)
You do not need a perfectly tidy home.
But some small decluttering wins can make life feel more manageable. Here are three low-pressure ideas:
1) Pick one hotspot only
Choose one area that keeps getting in your way (kitchen bench, dining table, one chair, one pile of mail).
Set a 10–15 minute timer and:
- Toss obvious rubbish
- Put “elsewhere” items back where they belong
- Make one small decision about what can go
2) Create a “paper landing zone”
Instead of papers all over the house:
- Choose one tray, box or corner of the bench
- All mail, school notes, forms and letters live there
- When you have your weekly paperwork time, you know exactly where to start
3) Declutter with your energy in mind
If you live with pain or fatigue:
- Work seated where possible
- Use a laundry basket to move items in one go
- Set very short time limits (5–10 minutes is enough)
You’re not failing if the whole house isn’t done. Every small improvement counts.
Build In Rest and Joy (On Purpose)
Many carers shared in the workshop that they feel guilty resting – and yet they function better when they do.
Make a short “Joy & Rest Menu” you can choose from when you get a spare pocket of time:
- Watching the cricket or tennis
- Choir practice or singing along to music at home
- Wordle and quick puzzles
- Sewing, knitting, or simple craft
- Coffee with your regular local group
- Board-game or craft nights with friends
- Pyjamas, a cosy blanket, and a quiet movie
Stick your list on the fridge or inside a cupboard.
When a moment opens up, you don’t have to think – just pick something from the menu.
Don’t Wait a Year – Reset Monthly
Instead of pinning everything on New Year’s resolutions, try a monthly reset.
At the end of each month, ask:
- What’s working right now?
- What’s draining me?
- What’s one thing I can tweak for next month?
This might be as simple as:
- Dropping one activity
- Asking someone else to take on a task
- Booking a check-up
- Scheduling a quiet weekend
Small, regular resets help prevent full-blown overwhelm.
If you attended the workshop, you’ll receive:
- The reflection worksheet with starred questions
- Link to the upcoming Focus Board workshop
- Information about the 6-week Get and Stay Focused program
You don’t have to make the perfect plan, clear the whole house, or transform your life before 1st January.
If all you do is:
- Let go of one “should”
- Protect one big rock
- Choose one small joyful thing for yourself each week
…you’re already making time for what matters. 💛
Still too hard?
Book a free 15-minute clarity call and we’ll help you choose your big rocks, simplify the load, and create a plan that fits real life.