Holiday Choices & Winter Prep: Integration in Advance

Integration Starts Early

We’re not in December yet, but October is when the groundwork gets laid. By the time the holiday season rolls around, calendars are packed, energy is thin, and expectations are high.

But here’s the truth: overwhelm in December starts with choices in October.

The Cost of Defaulting

When we don’t choose intentionally, we end up defaulting. Suddenly:

• Work projects spill into vacation.

• Social commitments fill every evening.

• Family expectations pile on until there’s nothing left in the tank.

By January, leaders and teams are drained, not renewed.

Integration Starts Early

Integration is about making choices now — not later.

Ask yourself:

• What commitments matter most to me this season?

• Where do I need boundaries to protect my energy?

• How do I want to feel stepping into January?

The Power of Advance Choices

Saying yes and no in October sets the tone for December. It’s not about managing the chaos — it’s about shaping it before it takes over.

Nothing changes if nothing changes. That includes how we approach the holidays.

Choose now, protect your future self.

What choice can you make today that your December self will thank you for?