5 Ways to Survive the Holiday Work Chaos Without Losing Your Mind
The holidays are supposed to be all cozy vibes, twinkly lights, and Mariah Carey on repeat—but let’s be real, working during this season is pure chaos. Between extra shifts, cranky customers, and way too much holiday music, it’s easy to hit burnout before December even starts.
But don’t worry—We got you. Here’s how to survive the holiday work madness while keeping your sanity (and maybe even enjoying the season).
5 Ways to Handle Holiday Workplace Stress
1. Set Boundaries Like Your Mental Health Depends on It (Because It Does)
Peak holiday season = managers begging you to pick up extra shifts like it’s a life-or-death situation. Newsflash: It’s not.
✨ Need a day off? Request it early.
✨ Can’t cover an extra shift? A simple “Sorry, I’m booked” works.
✨ Boss hitting you with the guilt trip? Not your problem.
You’re allowed to say no. Protect your time, protect your energy, and don’t let holiday guilt-tripping drain you.
2. Prioritize the Stuff That Actually Matters
Not every work task deserves your full energy—especially when you’re running on caffeine and vibes. Keep it simple:
🔥 Things that matter = Taking care of customers, getting your actual work done, and securing that paycheck.
🛑 Things that don’t = Deep cleaning for no reason or unnecessary meetings that could’ve been a text.
📌 If it’s not urgent, it can wait.
Save your energy for what actually pays the bills.
3. Forget Perfection—Just Get Through It
No one’s winning “Employee of the Year” over a holiday shift. Customers are stressed, managers are overwhelmed, and everything is a mess. Just do your best and keep it moving.
🎁 Messed up a customer’s order? Fix it, apologize, and keep going.
🎁 Didn’t finish every task? Oh well—there’s always tomorrow.
🎁 Boss wants you to go above and beyond? Let them know you’re giving exactly what you’re paid for.
Done > Perfect. Save the perfectionism for your holiday Instagram aesthetic.
4. Take Your Breaks (Seriously, Don’t Skip Them)
Skipping breaks doesn’t make you a hard worker—it just makes you exhausted. Even a quick reset can make your shift way more bearable.
⏳ Grab a snack and hydrate.
📱 Scroll TikTok for five minutes.
🎧 Blast your favorite song and vibe.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take the break—you earned it.
5. Lean on Your Work Besties
Nobody understands the holiday work struggle like your coworkers. Instead of going through it alone, stick together.
🤝 Swap shifts if needed.
🤝 Help each other out when things get wild.
🤝 Share a laugh when customers start acting extra.
Your work besties are your lifeline. If nothing else, at least you can suffer together. 😅
You Got This—Survive & Thrive This Holiday Season
The holiday rush is chaotic, but it doesn’t have to break you. Set boundaries, take breaks, and remember: you’re here for the paycheck, not the drama.
And hey, if all else fails—at least there’s holiday pay. 💸✨
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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk