THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT ISN’T FREE—STOP SPENDING IT ON THE WRONG THINGS.

Hi, it’s Maria 👋—and here’s the brutally honest naked truth about December: It comes in hot.

One second you’re lighting a candle thinking, wow, I’m really in my cozy seasonal era, and the next you’re staring at your calendar wondering how you accidentally agreed to eight different holiday things in the same week. We all know December can be a lot. But here’s something I don’t think women say out loud enough: We’re allowed to protect our joy.

Because let’s call it what it is—women carry December. We buy the gifts, wrap the gifts, ship the gifts, plan the events, coordinate the schedules, keep everyone emotionally stable, and maintain the “holiday magic” like it’s our part-time job… except it’s actually a full-time one and the pay is nonexistent.

But here’s where I’m going to be really honest with you: For me, December is my absolute favorite month. I fully lean in. Candles lit. Cozy blankets. Holiday music the second it feels acceptable. A level of festive energy that could legitimately power the tree at Rockefeller Center. And the reason I protect it so fiercely is because it’s a very specific feeling—and you don’t get to feel it often. There’s this tiny window each year where everything feels softer, warmer, and a little more magical. To dismiss it quickly, or to do so much that you mentally check out of it? That’s unfair to yourself. You only get this feeling once a year.

That’s why I genuinely say no to things I don’t want to do. Not in a dramatic, “I’m setting boundaries!!” kind of way—just in a calm, quiet, “that doesn’t feel like something I want to give my energy to” way. And honestly? It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Because here’s the truth: Doing too much or saying yes out of obligation pulls me right out of the spirit. And I love this season too much to mentally burn myself out of it. So if something drains me, overwhelms me, doesn’t spark joy, or requires me to stand in my kitchen making something I don’t want to make?

I simply… don’t. And I want that for you, too. December is not a performance. You don’t have to say yes to everything to be a “good” friend, partner, sister, daughter, or mom.

You don’t get a holiday award for overextending yourself. You DO get burnout, irritability, and resentment wrapped in tinsel.

This time of year should feel good. It should feel warm. It should feel like yours. And whether that means taking class to stay grounded, taking a walk to find quiet, taking a night off to reset, or taking an actual break from doing everything for everyone — it all counts.

Here’s to enjoying December without losing yourself in the chaos. Protect your peace, protect your energy, and protect that little bit of holiday magic you wait all year to feel.

From my core to yours,

Maria Stege

Founder & CEO, BARE Pilates Studio

…and that’s The Naked Truth.

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