For everyone who already knows they’ll be clinging to their sanity by a fraying thread come mid-December, this article is for you.
Resist-mas is my rallying cry for those who’d rather not roll into the Christmas hols with nerves stretched as tight as overstuffed stockings. Here’s my advice on resisting ending the year deep in your emotional overdraft and instead helping you get through with some peace left intact.
RESIST the January Jamboree
We all know what it’s like. That terrifying ding of the calendar on the first week back, packed with every postponed task, rescheduled meeting, and pending decision. It’s chaos on caffeine. Here’s a thought: resist putting all those “let’s pick this up in January” meetings into the first week. Instead, pause, breathe, and ask, “Does this really need tackling on January 2nd?” You’ll thank yourself later.
RESIST the shoe-horn strategy
The urge to “cram it all in” by Christmas Eve is real. We all feel it. But resist the compulsion to tick every little box on your to-do list before the end of the year. This year, Resist-mas means mastering the art of prioritisation. Make a clear-cut plan (and be honest about what can wait). It’s better to tie up a few meaningful loose ends than leave a tangle of barely tied ones.
RESIST NOW. Give people (and yourself) the gift of NOT NOW instead
Diaries are filling up faster than Santa’s sleigh. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to squeeze everyone in over the next seven weeks. Not every problem, challenge, or brainstorm needs to be tackled in 2024. Be intentional: if it’s not urgent, schedule it for later. A clever Resist-mas tactic: “Let’s revisit this in the new year and see if it’s still a priority.” Spoiler: it often isn’t.
RESIST and say ‘No’ to meeting mayhem
The yearly festive “we should catch up before the break!” meet-ups can become a vortex of time and energy. Decline gracefully. A simple, “I’d love to, but let’s plan something fresh for the new year” sets a healthy boundary. Remember, a coffee catch-up in March is just as invigorating.
And if you’re in a leadership role, don’t forget that your team needs maker time—all the uninterrupted hours they can get. Every additional meeting chips away at productivity rather than boosting it.
RESIST IMPATIENCE. Be even more present and kind.
Be aware that this time of year can be challenging for some. You or your team members may be dreading the holidays for any number of reasons—family tensions, extra spending, or the stress of year-end demands. Try to bring a little extra mindfulness and kindness to work over the next few weeks. If you have a team night out planned, make it count: leave work topics at the door, let everyone fully relax, and genuinely say “thank you” for their hard work. The time invested in unwinding and showing appreciation will make a world of difference.
RESIST RELENTLESSNESS. Rest Like It’s Gold
Yes, it’s Resist-mas, and you’re allowed to prioritise rest. The holiday doesn’t have to be a non-stop rollercoaster of obligations. Turn off the notifications. Bookend your holidays with at least a day (or half) dedicated to pure R&R—guilt-free. You can show up fresher, recharged, and with zero resentment in January.
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This Resist-mas, give yourself permission to focus on what matters most and let the rest slide into 2025. Not every deadline, discussion, or “we must catch up” needs to be achieved before the clock strikes Christmas Eve. May your calendar stay sane, your holidays peaceful, and your emotional overdraft a thing of the past.
Andy.
