Why Strong Networks Matter During the Holiday Rush
Feeling the pressure in the run up to the holiday season? Discover how your supportive network can bring relief and resilience
By Suzie Thoraval
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever.”
– Amy Poehler
With the holiday season fast approaching, our calendars quickly fill with pre-holiday parties, kids’ end-of-year concerts, and extended family gatherings. While these social events can bring joy, they can often feel a bit overwhelming—especially when paired with the year-end scramble to finish work and the mental load of gift buying and festive season catering.
In this whirlwind, it’s tempting to put our personal and professional networks on the backburner. You might think to yourself: who has the time and energy to think about cultivating supportive relationships when you’re juggling so many competing priorities? Yet, this is precisely the moment when nurturing those networks can offer stability, resilience, and a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
Why Supportive Networks Matter Now More Than Ever
As we rush to get everything done over the next few weeks, a strong network can provide:
Emotional resilience: A listening ear to share the highs and lows of the season.
Practical support: Advice, resources, or even hands-on help when things get hectic.
Encouragement: A boost of energy and motivation when your to-do list feels endless.
Neglecting these connections, however, can leave us feeling isolated or overly burdened. Harvard’s renowned Study of Adult Development reveals that relationships are a cornerstone of health and happiness—not just during calm times but especially when life gets busy.
Famous Leaders Who Relied on Networks
Even in the busiest times, we have seen examples of leaders who have leaned on their networks for strength:
Eleanor Roosevelt found solace and inspiration in her close circle of confidants, helping her champion social causes during challenging periods.
Oprah Winfrey has often credited her inner circle of mentors and collaborators with shaping her media empire.
Barack Obama relied on a network of political allies and personal supporters during his gruelling campaigns.
Sheryl Sandberg has shared how her professional and personal networks helped her navigate her career and personal losses.
How do I cultivate my supportive networks when I'm so busy?
You don't have to have big nights out that lead to increased fatigue and overwhelm. Here are some manageable suggestions to maintain your supportive networks during this busy time:
Be intentional with your time
With packed schedules, focus on meaningful, short interactions. A quick coffee, a phone call, or even a heartfelt holiday card can go a long way in maintaining connections.Use existing social events to strengthen bonds
Instead of seeing work parties or family gatherings as just obligations, approach them as opportunities to reconnect with people you value.Lean on digital tools for connection
If time or distance makes in-person meetings difficult, send a thoughtful message, schedule a quick video call, or share a supportive note on social media.Build relationships through shared activities
Volunteering, co-hosting events, or working together on holiday plans can deepen bonds without requiring additional time-consuming socialising.Focus on authenticity, not extravagance
Connection doesn’t need late-night parties or elaborate gatherings. A walk with a friend, a casual lunch, or even a moment of mutual understanding in a busy room can foster meaningful relationships.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
In the rush to wrap up the year and manage holiday obligations, cultivating supportive networks may feel like just another task. But it’s a gift you give yourself and others—not just for the holidays but for the year ahead.
When you take the time to nurture your connections, you strengthen your capacity for resilience and adaptive stability.
So, this holiday season, let your networks be a source of joy, energy, and calm, not another checkbox on the to-do list. As Helen Keller wisely said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
How do you maintain your supportive networks when life gets busy?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
