Did you know holidays now start in July?
If you’ve walked through a store lately, you’ve probably noticed something surprising.
Pumpkin candles are displayed. Hobby Lobby has Thanksgiving decor on the front row by the door. Christmas decorations are appearing in all the stores.
Hallmark has started its Christmas in July programming. Sneak peek new holiday episodes.
Retailers are promoting holiday sales months before the holidays arrive.
Most of us laugh and think, “It’s only July!”
But those early reminders may be doing more than encouraging you to shop—they may be quietly increasing your stress.
For many high-performing women, holiday stress doesn’t begin in November or December.
It begins the moment our minds start planning for them.
Mayo Clinic says this about holidays and stress:
The Holidays Often Start in Your Mind With One Burning Thought
Maybe it starts with an innocent question.
“Where are we having Thanksgiving this year?”
Then another.
“Should I start Christmas shopping now?”
“How much should we budget?”
“Will everyone be able to come home?”
“Who’s hosting?”
One thought leads to another.
Before long, you’re mentally managing a season that is still months away.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. There is a name for this. It’s called Anticipatory Stress.
What Is Anticipatory Stress?
Psychologists use the term anticipatory stress to describe the stress response that occurs when we begin preparing for future demands before they happen.
Your brain believes it’s helping you by planning ahead.
And sometimes it is.
Planning itself isn’t the problem.
The problem begins when planning turns into carrying the mental and emotional load over time.
Instead of making a note for later, you start carrying months of decisions, responsibilities, expectations, and emotional weight before any of it requires your attention.
Why High-Performing Women Experience It More
High-performing women have naturally, over time, become the ones everyone depends on for things to get done. These women who inherently take care of others often become the planners and the doers.
You’re coordinating schedules and contacting everyone.
Remembering to buy decorations.
Buying gifts.
Planning meals.
Booking travel.
Building and managing traditions.
Making sure everyone else enjoys the holidays.
These are wonderful strengths. But, there are two big problems here:
One is that they also mean your mind starts working long before the season arrives and over time, that invisible mental load can leave you feeling exhausted before the holidays even begin.
Two is that there is no room in there for you to relax and have a good time and enjoy yourself.
Awareness Is the First Step
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that AWARENESS IS EVERYTHING!
You don’t have to stop planning.
You simply need to notice when your mind begins solving problems that don’t need to be solved today.
The next time you catch yourself thinking about Thanksgiving or Christmas in the middle of July, pause and ask yourself:
“Do I actually need to make this decision today?”
Many times, the answer is no.
That simple question can help you return your attention to the present instead of carrying tomorrow’s responsibilities for months.
Your Holiday Reset This Week
For the next seven days, notice what triggers your holiday thoughts after watching a sneak peek of Hallmark Christmas in July. Or going to the store to go pick something up and seeing fall decor.
Maybe it’s a Christmas in July sale.
Maybe it’s a conversation with a family member.
Maybe it’s a social media post.
WHATEVER THE TRIGGER, SIMPLY NOTICE IT!
Awareness is the first step toward creating a calmer, healthier holiday season.
Coming Next Week
In next week’s article, we’ll explore The Hidden Stress of Holiday Planning and why the invisible mental load—not the holidays themselves—may be one of the biggest reasons women feel overwhelmed every November and December.
If this article resonated with you, subscribe to The Weekly Reset for practical, research-based insights that help you uncover the hidden causes of stress and build a healthier, more balanced life.
Because the goal isn’t just to survive the holidays.
It’s to enjoy them.
If this post resonated with you, keep tuning in to my blog, YouTube videos or newsletter because this is only Episode 1. It’s time to start preparing yourself for self-care for the holidays – STARTING NOW.
If you want to talk further about a holiday reset or your stress and burnout, click on my calendar link below and schedule some free time with me. I would love to hear about your reset journey.
https://calendly.com/danna-thebalancereset/30min
Ciao for now!
Danna
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