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Survival Tips for the Introvert During the Holidays

Updated November 25, 2024

I’m a self proclaimed introverted extrovert. Yes it is a thing. I think. But, if it isn’t, we need to make it a thing. I love being around people. My whole job as an event planner is to be cheerful, happy, and be good at working with large crowds and I love what I do. I thrive off of planning and executing events for the public.

But it is work.

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The Post-Event Crash

I get home after an event or social gathering and crash.

I cocoon and try to hide out from the world even shutting off my phone and going off social media *gasp*. I’m thankful to my husband who, after 10 years of being married to me, will see the look in my eyes and just pass me a beer and a bag of chips and sit quietly watching bad reality TV with me all evening when I get overwhelmed.

Impact of Holidays as an Introvert

The holidays make it harder. I want to go and do all the things. I will say yes to everything (work and personal) in September and October because writing it down in the calendar at that time looks like it is doable.

But then things start piling up.

  • Kid’s get busier with school activities, concerts and field-trips.
  • Work gets busier this time of year with Christmas events.
  • Friends and family invite you over for holiday parties.
  • Elf on the Shelf.
  • Hyper kids wanting to decorate the house.

It adds up fast. Too much Christmas.

What Can an Introvert Do During the Holidays?

Over the years I have found some introvert-friendly tricks that create the opportunity to re-charge and reduce the feeling of overwhelm.

Schedule Alone Time

It sounds silly but if I don’t clear times throughout the week to do nothing I feel too full.

It could be an hour after the kids go to school to just sit and drink a coffee.

Or as soon as your partner gets home from work one day pass them the kids and say you’ll be back in an hour and go for a walk or go sit in a coffee shop with a holiday latte.

If those aren’t options take an hour after the kids go to bed for yourself. No cleaning or making lists. Do a face mask and have a glass of wine and breathe.

Really Be Alone

This means turning off my phone and getting rid of distractions so I can enjoy being by myself.

I often use driving as my alone time throughout the week. Nothing is better than being able to choose the music, cranking it up, and singing along. Yes I am that girl in traffic belting out Spice Girls and Meatloaf. (Yes, that is a weird music combination but it is magical for a bad mood. Try it. You won’t regret it.)

Pick Less-Busy Times or Events

I love going to the big Christmas events, but the crowds exhaust me. If you have flexibility on when you go to something, pick time that it isn’t going to be as busy.

  • Tuesday nights are usually quietest
  • Earlier in the evening instead of between 7 and 9pm
  • Visit earlier in December instead of the last weekend before Christmas.

Say No

This is a hard one for a lot of us. I want to be a part of everything and go to all the parties and events but saying no is OK when I’m feeling too full. A burn out right before the holidays isn’t fun for anyone.

Manage Your Diet

I hate this one because I would love to eat like crap and survive off of black coffee all day but I know better. When I drink lots of water and eat a fruit or vegetable every once in a while throughout the day I am able to cope better.

Hang Out with People Closest to Me One on One

Nothing is better than having a chill night with a good friend. Nothing that is work, drama, or high expectations. Just low key and easy fun.

If you’re enjoying this, check out these related posts!

And be sure to check out all our Christmas posts!

These are just what I have found work for me. I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you love the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Or do you struggle trying to do all the things?

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