Lawyers, Holidays, and Staying Sane: A Guide to Balancing Wellness and Work

Ah, December. It’s the season of joy, goodwill, and—if you’re an attorney—gut-wrenching stress. While others are sipping eggnog and singing carols, many lawyers are frantically meeting deadlines, responding to demanding clients, and trying to appear festive at the office holiday party (while silently drafting a motion in their heads).

Let’s face it: the holiday season isn’t exactly a Hallmark movie for attorneys. But with a little humor, a touch of perspective, and some practical strategies, you can make it through this season without turning into a Grinch. Let’s dive into why December is so uniquely stressful for attorneys—and what you can do to keep the holiday spirit alive (without sacrificing your sanity or your ethical obligations).

Why December Is a Hot Mess for Lawyers

1. End-of-Year Deadlines Are Brutal.
   Judges and opposing counsel alike want their caseloads in order before year-end. That means you’re bombarded with court filings, client demands, and endless administrative work. December 25 may be a holiday, but December 24 at 11:59 p.m. sure isn’t.
2. Clients Forget You’re Human.
   For some clients, the holiday season is less about goodwill and more about getting answers—right now. Family law attorneys, we see you. Corporate attorneys, we hear you. The calls don’t stop, even when you’re trying to untangle holiday lights at home.
3. Personal Obligations Multiply Like Fruitcakes.
   As if work isn’t enough, there’s the holiday shopping, baking, family gatherings, school plays, and why does the office Secret Santa require a $50 minimum?! Oh, and that one family member who insists on discussing politics at the dinner table.
4. Perfectionism Hits Peak Levels.
   Lawyers are notorious perfectionists, and the holidays amplify this trait. You want to ace that brief and host a flawless dinner and buy meaningful gifts. Spoiler alert: you can’t do it all.

The Fallout: How Holiday Stress Impacts Lawyers

When the pressure piles on, lawyers often neglect their own wellness. Lack of sleep, skipped meals, and mounting stress can lead to burnout, poor performance, and (worst of all) a general lack of holiday cheer.

Here’s the kicker: stress doesn’t just affect you personally. It can also lead to mistakes at work, missed deadlines, and lapses in judgment—all of which can impact your clients and your reputation.

Solutions: How to Find Your Holiday Zen Without Dropping the Legal Ball

Fear not, weary attorneys. Here are some clever strategies to balance wellness with your legal obligations this holiday season.

1. Embrace the Power of the “No.”
   December is the month when everyone suddenly needs your time, but it’s okay to set boundaries. Decline that seventh holiday party invitation or say no to taking on a last-minute client project. If you wouldn’t agree to it in July, don’t agree to it now.
2. Prioritize Like a Pro.
   Channel your inner litigator and triage your to-do list. Deadlines that will cause malpractice if missed? Top priority. Attending the office holiday potluck with your “world-famous” green bean casserole? Probably not essential.
3. Automate and Delegate.
   Technology is your friend. Use scheduling tools to organize your calendar, set up out-of-office email replies when you’re unavailable, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to colleagues or support staff.
4. Schedule Non-Negotiable Wellness Time.
   Treat self-care like a client meeting—it’s non-negotiable. Whether it’s a yoga session, a holiday movie marathon, or simply a walk to escape your family’s rendition of Jingle Bells, make time for yourself.
5. Manage Client Expectations Early.
   Proactively communicate with clients about holiday schedules. Let them know when you’ll be available and set realistic timelines. Most will appreciate your transparency—and if they don’t, well, that’s why you have voicemail.
6. Limit Holiday-Induced Guilt.
   Didn’t bake cookies for the firm? Didn’t send handwritten holiday cards to every client? It’s fine. Nobody remembers that stuff by January anyway. Focus on the big picture and cut yourself some slack.

A Lawyer’s Holiday Survival Kit

Here’s a handy checklist to keep your December on track:

• Coffee (or tea, if that’s your jam). Because sleep is a luxury.
• Noise-canceling headphones. For escaping both work and your relatives.
• A planner. Not just for work deadlines but for scheduling joy—yes, joy.
• Snacks. Fuel your legal brilliance and holiday spirit.
• An ugly sweater. Because even lawyers deserve to have fun.

The Ultimate Holiday Reminder

As you juggle your legal obligations and holiday cheer, remember this: December is just another month. Sure, it’s wrapped in tinsel and expectations, but at its core, it’s about connection—whether with your clients, your family, or yourself.

By prioritizing wellness and embracing imperfection, you can navigate the holidays without losing your cool (or your license). So go ahead: enjoy some quiet time with a mug of cocoa. You’ve earned it.

Here’s to a stress-free(ish) holiday season. May your briefs be concise, your clients be understanding, and your holiday cookies be unburned. Cheers!

PS:

If you have not fulfilled your CLE requirements this year, NBI offers thousands of courses on a myriad of legal topics. Furthermore, NBI’s CLE courses are offered in numerous formats, including live webinars, OnDemand courses, and CLE-accredited podcasts.