Pressure.

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This time of year can bring a lot of pressure.

At the grocery store, tills ask you to top up your bill for a cause. The Salvation Army waits at the exits with donation buckets. Churches and non-profits are racing to meet campaign goals. Family and friends send cards and gifts. It can feel like there’s always something more to do... and the financial strain adds up quickly.

I used to love giving generously, buying thoughtful gifts, and mailing over 50 Christmas cards. But after years of participating in the chaos of the consumer holiday season, I finally stepped back. At first, it was uncomfortable. I’d sit with someone who gave me a gift, and I had nothing to offer in return. Living far from family meant mailing presents, and the shipping costs alone turned December into a nightmare of expenses.

Over time, though, I discovered something freeing in not being part of it all. Family and friends now understand that we don’t exchange gifts, and the question never even comes up. That shift has brought me peace.

Our holidays look different now. With only one family member in town, we’ll share Christmas dinner together, then spend the rest of the season quietly at home with our little family of three. A phone call with relatives feels more manageable than a week of gatherings. Moving farther away gave us the freedom to let go of obligations, and in the process, I found my voice. I realized I don’t have to drive for hours or accept offers of plane tickets just to meet expectations.

Saying no has helped me uncover a confidence I didn’t know I had. My husband offered to drive us down this year, and I said no thank you. Some might call me the Grinch, but to me, the holidays are about family... and my family is my husband and our kitty. People have raised eyebrows when they learn we don’t visit extended relatives or buy gifts, but everyone has their own way of navigating this season. What matters most is honoring what makes sense for your family.

So if you’re feeling the weight of holiday pressure, I hope you can give yourself permission to say no. Take on only what you can handle. And if not this year, maybe next year can look a little different


~ Honey 🍯     

Comments

  1. GHOSTDecember 15, 2025 at 2:15 PM

    Feeling it hard right now… pockets on zero, no money to spend
    But Christmas is coming
    Still breathing, still hopeful, still pushing
    Broke today doesn’t mean broken forever — better days loading.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buzz n' BloomDecember 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM

      Awe. Keep pushing! Better days are always ahead!!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousDecember 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM

    I agree. The Holidays have became a lot of work and pressure. It is good to do what is right for you and your family. People will understand. My holidays have been low key for sometime and I enjoy that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buzz n' BloomDecember 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM

      Yes, absolutely! We all need to honor what works best for us and our loved ones will (hopefully) understand the decisions we make. Have a bee-utiful holiday season!!

      Delete
  3. Jen¥zDecember 28, 2025 at 7:09 PM

    This really resonated with me. This time of year truly comes with so much pressure, and you captured it so honestly. I love how you chose peace over obligation and created a version of the holidays that actually works for your family. It takes a lot of courage to say no and stand by it, and I know you, Honey, how you have always wanted to please everyone around you, especially when expectations are loud. Meanwhile, I did my own Christmas in class… so I guess that counts, too 😂 it hurt!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buzz n' BloomDecember 29, 2025 at 7:20 PM

      Awe, thank you so much! The moments can be uncomfortable, but honoring family first is the best approach. Over time, others will understand the new rhythm. Awe, I hope you enjoyed it!!

      Delete

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