Surviving Christmas

🎙️ Episode: Christmas Pressure, Expectations & Entering the New Year

Why the Festive Season Isn’t Always the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
This week on Curveball, we’re talking all things Christmas — and not just the highlight-reel version. From feeling the pressure to be happy, spend money, show up for everyone, and have it all figured out, we’re getting real about why the festive season can feel overwhelming.
We open up about being single at Christmas, navigating family dynamics, being in a relationship for the first time during the holidays, and the emotional load that often comes with it all. We also unpack the pressure of gift-giving, overspending, comparison, and how to protect your energy without guilt.
This episode is about meeting yourself where you’re at, letting go of perfection, and finding ways to actually feel good — not just survive — through Christmas, while gently preparing yourself to step into the new year feeling grounded and aligned.

✨ What we cover:

✨ The pressure and expectations around Christmas
✨ Being single vs. in a relationship during the festive season
✨ Navigating family dynamics and emotional overload
✨ Overspending, gift guilt, and comparison culture
✨ How to protect your energy and set boundaries
✨ Letting go of “perfect” and finding joy where you are
✨ Entering the new year with clarity, kindness, and intention

✨ Timestamps:

01:51: Navigating First Christmases and Family Traditions

05:06: Managing Overstimulation and Setting Boundaries with Family

11:03: The Unique Challenges of Adult Gift-Giving and Christmas Loneliness

13:26: Escaping the Social Media Comparison Trap and Gift Pressure

19:49: Embracing Small Joys and Navigating Grief During Christmas

25:32: Overcoming Body Image Pressure for Festive Celebrations

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