Many startup founders tell me the same thing around this time: “I’m excited for the break, but I don’t know how to actually take it.” There’s a fear that stepping back, even briefly, could slow momentum or leave opportunities on the table. And yes, in the early days there is that constant hum of “I need to be on it all the time.” It’s part of what powers a startup’s early growth, but it’s also part of what can make the festive season feel more stressful than soothing.

Then layered on top of the business pressures, come the personal ones. This period is packaged as joyful, cosy, full of magic and memories. But let’s be honest, it can just as easily feel like a pressure cooker. The expectation to do it all. The financial strain (especially if you’re running a startup business). The concentrated family time (say no more) - or contrary, the loneliness and isolation some feel.

So maybe the question we ask ourselves should be – “What will make this festive season enjoyable for me – as a founder, and as a human?”

Because yes, this period can be joyful. Not in a constant, overflowing way – expecting that is a shortcut to disappointment – but in small, meaningful moments of relief, connection, rest, or pleasure. And the best way to stack the odds in your favour is to put some boundaries in place. Not rigid rules, but gentle guardrails that help you protect the time and energy you’ve been craving all year.

So, let’s talk about festive boundaries… here are seven questions you can ask yourself to help you set festive boundaries as a startup founder:

1. What do I actually want this period to look like?

Ask yourself the real question: what do I want this festive period to be? Peaceful and quiet? Full of gatherings? Completely offline? Just a gentle slowing of pace? Time to recharge creatively? Or simply a break from all the notifications and pings? Your festive season doesn’t need to match anyone else’s expectations – not social media’s, not your family’s, not the mythical “perfect Christmas” narrative we’re all sold.

2. Once you know what you want, ask yourself – what would actually allow me to experience that?

If you want proper downtime, then maybe it’s putting an out-of-office on earlier than you usually would. Or giving your clients/team clarity on what truly needs to happen before the break (and what doesn’t). The psychological lift of writing down January’s priorities – knowing they’ll be there when you return – is huge. It lets your brain step out of work mode without the “don’t forget this!” alarm ringing every hour.

3. What must be done before the break? Get ruthless about priorities…

There are only so many days left before everything slows down. You cannot fit it all in – and that’s OK. What genuinely must be done before the break? What’s only urgent because I’ve told myself it is? What can safely wait until January without derailing anything? Planning doesn’t have to mean pressure. You don’t need a fully mapped-out Q1 by mid-December – but spending a little time thinking about January can help you identify your priorities and give you that much-needed permission to rest. This isn’t about productivity. It’s about peace of mind.

4. How can I create my own version of ‘Festive Success’?

This is your season – you get to decide the rules. Forget the idea that this period must look Instagram-worthy. Success doesn’t need to mean a picture-perfect Christmas dinner, or an inbox at zero, or a brilliantly planned 2026 strategy. It could simply mean:

• Having a few days where you feel calm
• Being present with the people who matter
• Not squeezing yourself into obligations that drain you
• Creating even one memory that brings you joy when you look back at it

5. Reflect on and identify what’s going to bring you joy

Not constant joy – but the small things that make you feel good. A long walk. A quiet morning with coffee. A chaotic family board game. A cinema trip. A day with no plans. Know what those moments are and actively make space for them. And importantly, communicate them to the people around you. Silence is where disappointment grows.

6. Whether personal or professional, how can I limit the must-dos and have-tos?

Yes, some things will feel obligatory. But you can still put boundaries around them. Attend the event, but leave when you want. Buy one thoughtful gift instead of ten impressive ones. Say no to the fifth gathering of the week. Remember: “No” really is available to you.

7. Communicate, communicate, communicate…

Tell your customers, clients, and team your availability and your expectations. Tell your family what you need and what you don’t have the capacity for. Have open conversations about plans, timing, boundaries. When we leave things unsaid, resentment and pressure build fast.

I genuinely hope you get the festive season you want – not the one you feel you “should” have. One with moments of joy, pockets of rest, and space to breathe. May it nourish you enough to enter the new year with clarity and energy.

You deserve that. So does your business.

If this season feels hard, please know that you are not alone. For many founders, this time of year is emotionally heavy – financially, relationally, mentally. If you need support for yourself or a loved one, Mind share lots of useful contacts to reach out to – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/useful-contacts/

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