Nothing quite says the Christmas party season is upon us like Mariah Carey announcing, “It’s time,” via her annual social media video . And with the 2025 clip making the rounds, we’ll soon hear continuous loops of All I Want for Christmas is You – and see our social calendars quickly filling up, too.

But while catching up with friends for a Christmas cocktail might be fun, wrangling a carload of kids to attend a futsal break-up or sourcing a themed outfit for your spouse’s work party may not be your idea of a good time.

Being less than enthused about a seemingly never-ending list of social events is common, says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray.

“This time of year often comes with emotional pressure to be cheerful and available, even when we’re exhausted,” she says.

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