It’s creeping up again… that time of year that some people adore and others quietly dread… Christmas!

For many, the festive season is pure magic. But in the past, December was one of my trickiest months.

As a child, and well into my twenties, I was Christmas‑obsessed. I loved every sparkle and song. But as the years rolled on, something shifted. December started to feel heavier, harder to navigate, and strangely draining.

Like clockwork, every year around late November, my mood dipped and my energy plummeted. I’d feel foggy, tense, almost like I was coming down with something. Then, as if by magic, around December 28th… I’d bounce back.

I blamed everything: work stress, too many nights out, winter darkness, lack of exercise, too much sugar, too much wine, you name it, I pinned it on that.

I tried everything to make December easier: changing my diet, cutting out alcohol, exercising more, taking sunshine breaks… but nothing shifted that December slump.

And then it hit me, the problem wasn’t my energy at all.

I was absorbing everyone else’s.

The collective “Christmas madness,” the stress, the rushing, the pressure, the expectations, was landing in my system like a ton of tinsel‑covered bricks. No wonder I felt awful.

It took me far too long to realise it, but once I did, everything made sense. At least one person in every household gets stressed at Christmas. For an Empath, that’s like standing in the middle of an emotional snowstorm without a coat.

Once I learned how to unplug from the chaos, stay grounded, and keep my energy centred, December finally became manageable again.

And that’s exactly what I want to share with you, my guide to surviving Christmas with your sanity (and spirit!) intact.

Whether you’re a festive fanatic or someone who’d happily hibernate until January, these tips are designed to help you get through the season with more ease, peace, and joy.

Daily Grounding with a Twist

Whatever grounding technique works for you is the one to practice (here’s a list of ideas). Most Empaths already have their own grounding rituals, but during the festive frenzy, we need to add a little something extra… childlike positivity.

Remember how magical Christmas felt when you were small? That bubbling excitement? That’s the energy to tap into. Instead of tuning into stress, consciously tune into wonder. Where your focus goes, your energy follows.

Carry Haematite or Another Protective Stone

Haematite is a superstar for Empaths, grounding, protective, and brilliant at reflecting back energy that isn’t yours. Keep a piece on you whenever you’re out and about. December is basically one big energetic mosh pit, so a little protection goes a long way.

Shake It Off

Literally.

If you feel overloaded, shake your body like you’re trying to wiggle the stress right out, because you are. Legs, arms, torso, cheeks, lips, give everything a good wobble. Add funky music for an extra boost.

It’s fun, and it works.

Chocolate (Yes, Really)

A little dark chocolate is a surprisingly powerful grounding and uplifting tool for Empaths. Go for 70% cocoa or higher, ideally organic. It nourishes, soothes, and stabilises your energy.

It has the added bonus of being completely delicious!

Just steer clear of having a lot refined sugar, it spikes cortisol and amplifies emotional stress.

Practice Gratitude

When the world feels overwhelming, gratitude is like an instant emotional reset.

Be thankful for what you have, or for what’s on its way. Gratitude lifts your vibration, shifts your mindset, and fills your system with feel‑good chemistry. It’s simple, powerful, and perfect for this time of year.

Get Outdoors

One of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to stay balanced during the festive whirlwind is to step outside and soak up some natural daylight. Even a few minutes outdoors can work wonders for your mood and energy.

Think of it as giving your nervous system a gentle reset. Fresh air, open space, and natural light help clear out the emotional clutter you’ve absorbed and bring you back into your own body.

Even better, add in some outdoor exercise.

You don’t need a strenuous hike or a power walk. In fact, the goal is the opposite: slow, easy, nourishing movement. A gentle stroll around the block, a wander through a park, or even standing outside with a warm drink can help regulate your energy without draining your reserves.

Daylight, especially in winter, is like medicine for anyone who is Sensitive. It boosts your serotonin, steadies your emotions, and helps you stay grounded when the world feels loud and frantic.

So, whenever you can, wrap up warm, step outside, breathe deeply, and let nature do what it does best: bring you back to yourself.

Hope this helps.

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Enjoy the silly season.

Until next year…

Diane