“Women over 40 are entering the holidays carrying an invisible load, an emotional backpack that nobody sees.” – Leslie Duffy

The holidays hit differently when you’re a woman in midlife. You’re trying to keep work on track, manage family dynamics, support aging parents, show up for your kids, and hold everything together at home. Then the holiday season arrives with parties, more expectations, food triggers, social pressure, and a calendar that feels like it’s filling itself. It’s a lot, and most of us are already running on fumes before the season even begins.

What makes it even more challenging is that your body is changing at the same time that life is asking more of you. Shifting hormones make your stress response stronger, your sleep lighter, and your tolerance for chaos lower. Your nervous system is more sensitive, your energy isn’t as predictable, and the emotional labor you carry often goes unseen. So when the holidays layer gatherings, decisions, and obligations on top of that, even small stressors feel bigger. It’s not in your head. Your body is telling the truth.

Today, I’m walking you through a simple, three-step plan to help you move through the holiday season with less overwhelm. We’ll look at what actually worked last year, what didn’t, and how to decide ahead of time how you want to feel when January arrives. I’m also going to share practical grounding practices you can use, how to navigate tricky conversations, what to do when old patterns show up, and how to set boundaries that feel supportive instead of stressful.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, doable roadmap for getting through the holidays feeling calmer, more centered, and more like the woman you want to be heading into the new year.

Your Takeaways

• Why the invisible load makes the holidays feel extra draining
• The surprising power of tiny rituals and meaningful moments over perfection
• How to review last year’s holidays and change how you feel on January 1st
• Creating your filter: what to say yes to, what to say no to, and how to decline with confidence
• Energy protection tools and creating easy exit plans
• How to keep your nervous system steady even when other people are triggering
• Why B- effort and simplified traditions can bring more peace and connection

Mentioned in this Episode

Grab your FREE Listener Guide | The Less Stressed Holiday: 3 Steps to Reclaim Your Energy (Even If You’re Overwhelmed)

Journal Article | Family Rituals Improve the Holidays