✨ The MeNoPause! Holiday Survival Guide: Hot Flashes, Boundaries & Holiday Magic ✨

Holiday Edition • From The MeNoPause! Journal

The holidays are here — and while everyone else is posting matching pajamas and mugs of hot cocoa, you might be over there wondering why your inner thermostat just jumped from “winter wonderland” to “Sahara desert” in 2.6 seconds. 💁🏾‍♀️🔥

Welcome to the MeNoPause!™ Holiday Edition — where we celebrate joy, set boundaries, protect our peace, and give ourselves permission to do the season our way.

Because let’s be honest:
Menopause doesn’t take a holiday break… and neither do we.
But that doesn’t mean this season can’t still be magical.

🎄 1. The Hot Flash vs. Holiday Sweater Showdown

Everyone else is wearing thick cable-knit sweaters. Meanwhile, you’re in a tank top standing outside “getting some fresh air” while your family wonders if you’re okay.

Hot flash season + holiday season = a battle we didn’t ask for.

Your permission slip:
Wear what keeps you comfortable.
Even if that means festive short sleeves or a cute cardigan you can peel off faster than gift-wrap on Christmas morning.
Comfort > Aesthetic. Always.

🎁 2. Protect Your Energy Like It’s the Last Gift on the Shelf

Holiday pressure is real — show up here, bake this, wrap that, host everyone’s emotional needs like you’re the North Pole help desk.

But this year?
We’re choosing peace.

Try this:

  • Say no without guilt.

  • Leave early if you need to.

  • Skip the event that drains you.

  • Rest before you’re exhausted.

Your well-being matters more than anyone’s expectations.

🍪 3. Mood Swings & Mistletoe: A Love Story

One minute you’re watching a holiday movie crying like a Hallmark angel just lost her wings…
The next minute someone asks a harmless question and suddenly you’re giving the Grinch a run for his money.

You are not alone.
Hormones + holidays = a rollercoaster with no seatbelts.

Try grounding yourself with:

  • A quick walk

  • A warm (not hot!) mug of tea

  • Breathwork

  • A five-minute “do not disturb” moment

Your emotions are valid — and they don’t make you “too much.” They make you human.

✨ 4. Create Traditions That Support WHO You Are Today

Maybe you don’t have the energy to decorate the whole house.
Maybe you want a quiet holiday instead of a loud one.

Maybe you want to stay home instead of travel.

You’re allowed to evolve.

New traditions for the MeNoPause! woman:

  • A cozy, slow morning

  • Intentional gift-giving (or skipping gifts altogether!)

  • A “hot flash–friendly” holiday outfit

  • A gratitude journal moment before the festivities

  • A boundaries-first holiday schedule

  • Celebrating wins from the past year — big or small

This season is about connection and meaning… not exhaustion.

💗 5. Give Yourself the Gift of Grace

The holidays can bring up a lot — memories, emotions, expectations, pressure.
But here’s your reminder:

You are doing your best.
You deserve rest.
You deserve joy.
You deserve ease.

Menopause doesn’t define you — it simply walks beside you as you keep showing up with strength, resilience, humor, and heart.

And sis…
LIFE DOESN’T PAUSE. NEITHER DO YOU.

🎅🏾 Final Thought:

This holiday season, prioritize YOU.
Your comfort.
Your health.
Your joy.
Your peace.
Your glow — hot flashes included. 😅🔥

From our Tribe to yours,
Happy Holidays, Queen.
Stay warm… but not too warm. 😉

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“Is it Menopause or Just My Life?”: Finding Humor in the Chaos

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Permission to Pause: Why You Don't Have to Be Superwoman Today