day 90 of 100 days of hope

Written By Julie Burningham

Feeling Overwhelmed During the Holidays? You’re Not Alone

The holidays are often painted as joyful, magical, and full of togetherness. But for many people, they can also be exhausting, stressful, and emotionally heavy.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or quietly dreading parts of the season—you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re human.

One of the biggest reasons the holidays feel so hard is because we try to do too much alone.

The Simple Shift That Changes Everything: Ask for Help

Asking for help sounds simple, but it can feel surprisingly hard. Many of us are used to carrying the mental load, managing expectations, and keeping everything moving without slowing down to invite support.

Here’s the truth:
People can’t read your mind.
They don’t always know you’re struggling.
And many would genuinely love to help—if they knew how.

When you ask for help, you’re not failing. You’re creating space for connection.

Why Support Makes the Holidays Easier

When you allow others to help, a few powerful things happen:

  • The pressure isn’t all on you

  • Stress levels decrease

  • Tasks feel lighter and more manageable

  • Ordinary moments become shared experiences

  • Joy has room to show up again

What once felt heavy can turn into something meaningful when it becomes a together effort.

A Personal Reflection

I’ll be honest—I resist Christmas every year. My family knows this about me. Instead of pushing through on my own, I ask for help.

Recently, something as simple as going shopping with my husband changed everything. It wasn’t just about getting things done—it became time together. Conversation. Laughter. Connection.

The task didn’t change. The experience did.

Questions to Gently Ask Yourself

Take a moment and reflect:

  • What feels overwhelming right now?

  • What are you trying to handle alone?

  • Where could support make this season easier?

  • Who could you ask—clearly and honestly—for what you need?

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re choosing peace.

The Payoff Is Worth It

When you invite support, you often experience:

  • Less worry

  • Less stress

  • More calm

  • More joy

  • More connection

You were never meant to do everything by yourself—especially during a season that’s meant to be shared.

Final Thought

If this season feels heavy, let that be your cue to reach out instead of powering through. There are people in your life who would love to support you right where you are.

You don’t have to carry it all alone.
You’ve got this. 💛

Julie Burningham
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Day 89 of 100 Days of Hope