Christmas Burnout: Why Fatigue Peaks in December December 18, 2025 It’s December, and if you’re feeling more exhausted than excited, you’re not alone. The lead-up to Christmas brings a unique kind of fatigue that goes far beyond simply being tired. It’s burnout, and it’s increasingly common as we juggle work deadlines, holiday obligations, family expectations, and social commitments all at once. Understanding what’s happening to your body and mind during his time is the first step toward protecting your wellbeing during what should be the season of rest and celebration. What is Burnout, Really? Burnout is more than just feeling fatigued. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is characterised by three main symptoms: exhaustion, loss of empathy, and reduced performance at work [1]. However, Australian research has developed a more nuanced understanding, identifying additional symptoms that many people experience during the December rush. Beyond exhaustion, burnout involves a loss of empathy, sometimes called “compassion fatigue”, which can manifest an uncharacteristic cynicism or a general loss of pleasure in things you normally enjoy [1]. There's also cognitive impairment, where you struggle to focus, retain information, or complete tasks that would normally feel manageable. Some people describe this mental fog as similar to “baby brain” where everything feels foggy and difficult [1]. You might notice insularity too, where you withdraw from social interactions, finding little pleasure in conversations even when you’re surrounded by people [1]. And despite feeling absolutely exhausted, many people experiencing burnout report insomnia, finding it impossible to sleep despite their tiredness [1]. Why December Is the Perfect Storm December hits differently because it’s not just work stress. It’s a convergence of demands happening simultaneously. The Black Dog Institute defines burnout as “a form of emotional exhaustion that can occur in response to persistent and unrelenting stress” [2]. But here's what makes December particularly challenging: the stressors are multiplying faster than we can manage them. At work, there’s pressure to finish projects, hit targets, and wrap everything up before the year ends. Outside work, family expectations are intensifying, financial pressures from gift-buying and end-of-year expenses are mounting, and social obligations including holiday parties, school events and community gatherings, suddenly feel like they’re taking over your calendar [3]. On top of this, holiday season amplifies emotional labour. Nostalgia, grief, loneliness, comparison to picture-perfect holiday scenes, these feelings are all heightened in December [3]. What’s particularly insidious is that none of these demands seem unreasonable on their own. But collectively, they create what researchers call “the perfect storm for exhaustion” [3]. Unlike other busy seasons that might focus on one area of life, December pressure invades every corner simultaneously. The Productivity Paradox Here's something that might surprise you: working longer hours in December doesn't actually lead to better outcomes. Research shows that cognitive fatigue reduces accuracy, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving which exactly the skills you need most when closing out the year [3]. Teams may appear "busy," but the work becomes shallow: more output, less meaningful impact [3]. When people operate in survival mode, performance doesn't increase, it flatlines [3]. Dr Andrew Dhaenens from UNSW Business School explains that people often push harder in December because they want to "finish strong" and clear their plates before the holidays [2]. But the irony is that this pressure rarely creates clarity. Instead, it creates chaos [3]. Taking Control of Your December The good news is that you don't need to simply endure December. Small, thoughtful changes can make a significant difference. First, be ruthless about prioritisation. Distinguish between what's truly important and what's simply urgent [3]. Not everything needs to be tied up by December 31st. Many tasks can be pushed to January without consequence. Second, set clear boundaries. For those working in hybrid or remote arrangements, it's easy to blur the lines between work and personal time. Many people find themselves checking "just one email" during their supposed downtime, disrupting their recovery [2]. Setting specific work hours and resisting the urge to stay connected can protect your wellbeing. Third, give yourself permission to not feel festive. Not everyone experiences December as joyful, and that's okay [3]. If you're grieving, stressed, or simply not in the celebratory mood, acknowledge that rather than forcing yourself to perform happiness. The Real Issue: Sleep and Recovery What's often overlooked in discussions about burnout is the impact on sleep. When you're burnt out, your body is in a state of heightened stress, even though you're exhausted. This creates a vicious cycle: you need sleep to recover, but burnout prevents proper rest. For people living with sleep apnoea, who rely on their CPAP therapy for quality sleep, December burnout becomes even more dangerous. The stress and exhaustion of the season can disrupt your routines, making it harder to maintain consistent CPAP use. This, in turn, means less restorative sleep, which worsens burnout, which further disrupts your routines. If you're struggling with exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, or a sense of emotional depletion during December, it's worth reflecting on your sleep quality. Poor sleep can amplify all the symptoms of burnout. If you snore heavily, experience witnessed pauses in breathing during sleep, or wake feeling unrefreshed despite long sleep durations, speak with a healthcare professional about sleep apnoea screening. Quality sleep is one of the most powerful tools for managing burnout, and treating sleep disorders can be transformative. Making It Through December December should be a time of rest and celebration, not endurance testing. As you navigate the final weeks of the year, remember that taking time to protect your wellbeing isn't selfish – it's essential. Prioritise what truly matters, set boundaries around work and commitments, and be honest about what you can and cannot do. If you feel exhausted, unable to concentrate, and want to withdraw from the world around you, these are signs that you need to dial back demands immediately [2]. And if you suspect you have sleep apnoea or are struggling with sleep quality affecting your fatigue levels, reach out to your doctor. Quality sleep is foundational to resilience, and there's no shame in getting professional support to achieve it. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 80 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnoea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References [1] News, ABC. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Burnout: How to Take Care of Yourself before the Holidays Start.” Abc.net.au, 25(1), ABC News, 2 Dec. 2023, www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-03/burnout-more-than-tired-take-care-yourself-before-holidays-start/103176702. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025. [2] “Is It Normal to Be Super Stressed at Work before the Holidays?”, UNSW Sites, 2025, www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2022/12/is-it-normal-to-be-super-stressed-at-work-before-the-holidays-. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025. [3] Martin, Dean. “Burnout: How to Manage Team Stress during December.” , Pavelka, 2 Dec. 2025, pavelka.global/the-holiday-hustle-why-burnout-peaks-in-december/. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
