7 Tips to Keep in Mind If Your Inner Introvert Is Dreading the Holidays

Don't run away just yet! You might find that the festivities are easier to manage when you are the one managing them. This doesn't have to be anything huge, because despite how it might look on social media, the festive season doesn't really mean that everyone is out celebrating with hundreds of friends or colleagues every day. Sometimes a quiet catch-up with a few close pals over a Christmas-flavored coffee can provide a welcome break from bigger social engagements.

At this time of year, many organizations and local venues put together fun public events such as screenings of festive films and carol concerts. Events like these are great because they generate a warm communal spirit without making you feel obligated to talk to an entire roomful of strangers.

The festive season can make people feel that they have to catch up with everyone before the year is out, but in reality, you can prioritize engagements. Schedule both the events you want to attend and the time you need to recharge. Just remember that if you are going to be rejecting invitations, A) Do it nicely, and B) Do it as an act of self-care, not avoidance.

No, I don't mean to a sing-along screening of Frozen (although that actually sounds like fun). If you know that you feel overwhelmed in large crowds and tend to overthink interactions, then practice conversation starters. Not only will this help you feel more in control, but it could potentially be a lifeline for the other person. After all, festive celebrations are often a chance to meet people for the first time, e.g. your cousin's girlfriend or your boss's wife.

Top tip: maybe move beyond the obvious "What are you doing for Christmas?" and try something light and fun such as "What would be your dream present?"

Offering to wash the dishes or clear the table isn't the most glamorous part of the holiday season, but it does give you respite from busy social situations. You can use it as a chance to catch your breath, and your host will be grateful for the help. Plus you never know, you might bump into a fellow introvert who had the same idea!

The challenge is not to see how many people can fit in your home but to try to decide how many people you can realistically deal with hosting. The same applies if you are invited to stay elsewhere for the holidays. Think about who you will be spending the time with and if they will be understanding and respectful of your need for time alone.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with the way you are — if you need to break away for some fresh air every now and again, then do it. Pushing your comfort zone is great, but so is respecting your personal boundaries.