Are you ready to set goals for 2026???

You’ve probably got goals for your team to achieve in the coming year, but what about yourself?

Allow me to suggest a few:

• Begin the year in debt and spend the rest of it clawing your way out.
• Miss January because you’re on your couch, coughing, battling a fever, and drowning in a sea of used tissues.
• Have extra time for your hobbies because your friends and family refuse to talk to you.

Hmm… not what you had in mind?

Then what are you doing throughout December and the holiday season to protect yourself from reaching these “goals”?

Well, if you’re reading this, you’ll be setting boundaries.

Holiday Stress by the Numbers

While the country preps for “the most magical time of the year,” many individuals dread the holidays. If you’re one of them, don’t worry. You’re absolutely not alone.

In fact:

• According to a new survey published by Talker Research, 54% of Americans fear the holidays due to the extra financial expenses.
• 69% of respondents said the holiday season is the most financially stressful part of the year.
• And 58% of those surveyed said the stress and financial obligations of the holiday season take the joy out of the season.

None of this is surprising. With rising costs, increasing expectations to shower loved ones (and not-so-loved ones) with presents, and a “keep up with the Jones” mentality around décor, parties, and travel, it makes perfect sense that people are nervous about the impending season of overspending.

Of course, it’s not just financial “obligations” to contend with. Social obligations can leave us drained, resentful, and rather unpleasant to be around.

Signs You Need Holiday Boundaries (More Than You Think)

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the holidays… all while not recognizing the toll it’s taking on you and your relationships.

If you’ve experienced any of the following, you probably need healthy boundaries:

• Your mouth says Yes, but every cell in your body screams No
• You’re afraid to open your calendar
• You’re buying gifts out of obligation, not love
• You haven’t seen the gym or your yoga mat in weeks
• You’re already exhausted, and you’ve barely digested Thanksgiving dinner

Do any of these resonate? If so, it’s the perfect time to set boundaries and give yourself the gift of No.

Give Yourself the Gift Of “No”

When you approach the holiday season with your boundaries firmly intact, you create a time of peace rather than chaos. You enjoy the magic of the season, rather than go full Grinch.

Holidays Boundaries: Tips to Protect Yourself

Let’s look at some of the boundaries you can set this month that will help usher in a happy, healthy new year.

Set a Budget for Gift Giving

We all want to be Oprah, handing out cars like candy canes. However, very few of us actually can. Before you look at who and what you “have” to spend money on, figure out how much you actually can spend.

And before you say, “Well, I’ve got a $10k credit limit,” let me share what may be an unpopular opinion: Credit cards exist for three reasons:

You don’t have to carry a lot of cash.
You get rewards on travel, cash back, and gift cards.
You gain purchase protection in case something goes awry and you need the big guns to fight it for you.

Notice I didn’t add, “Buying stuff you can’t afford right now but will hopefully be able to pay off in the next few months.”

When you budget first, you see how much you can comfortably spend on the people you care about (and the people you feel obligated to buy for). If you know you’ll need more than you’ve put aside, consider a seasonal job or a side hustle.

Note: Just because you have the money doesn’t mean you need to spend it. Your budget should include practical numbers, but it should also reflect how much you want to spend.

Next week, I’ll share a few ways to say No to gift exchanges.

Choose Your Social “Obligations” Wisely

This time of year, everyone is having a holiday party. In any given December, you may receive invitations to:

• Company parties (for you and your significant otter)
• Client parties
• Association/ Chamber/Club parties
• Networking organization parties
• School parties
• Friends’ parties
• Your kid’s friends’ parties
• Your parents’ assisted living parties
• Family parties
• etc.

While attending a party may not “cost” anything (though there’s usually a gift exchange), your time is your most precious commodity. And… it’s finite. You can always get a second job to make more money, but there’s no way to make more time.

A New Way to Look At It

Do you have to attend every party you’re invited to? Nope. While certain events really do require your presence, most holiday events are optional—even when they don’t look that way.

Here’s the even bigger problem: when you go somewhere or do something you don’t want to do, you’re not actually much fun.

“What? Sheryl, that’s ridiculous. I’m as pleasant as a sugar plum!”

Honestly, you’re not. The resentment shows on your face. Your energy drags down the party, and if it gets bad enough, the host may quietly leave you off next year’s list.

My husband has six other partners at his financial firm. Rather than all seven of them showing up at every holiday party (they have advisors across four states and throw several parties to accommodate everyone), they divide the responsibility so no one burns out.

Conclusion

Whatever your personal goals are for 2026, they likely include being healthy, financially fit, and surrounded by loved ones. By setting healthy boundaries throughout the holiday season, you’ll reach those goals rather than starting the new year off in a slump.

Next week, I’ll introduce a decision-making framework you can use for all of your holiday boundaries. Make sure you sign up for my Boundaried Life Newsletter so you can receive Part 2 directly in your inbox.