Am I Becoming A Perimenopausal Grinch?

As we hurtle towards the so-called “most wonderful time of the year,” I find myself experiencing a familiar flutter, and not the festive kind. It’s that creeping sense of overwhelm that arrives right about the time the shops start piping in Mariah Carey. Suddenly, it’s not just Christmas shopping (presents and the mountain of food) that stresses me out; it’s the entire production. More cooking, more tidying, more organising, more… everything. And then comes the guilt. The quiet whisper of, “Am I becoming a perimenopausal Grinch?”

I mean, how exactly are we supposed to waft through December like the women in Christmas adverts, all sequins, glowing skin, gentle laughter, and perfectly iced mince pies, when our hormones are behaving more like toddlers on a sugar high?

The truth? We can’t. Or at least, I can’t. And maybe the answer isn’t to “do it all,” but to embrace the most radical festive mantra of all: “Fuck it…I can’t do everything.” Because, honestly, fluctuating hormones have a way of magnifying stress until even writing a shopping list feels like a group project you never signed up for.

So instead of chasing perfection, maybe we start chasing peace. Little pockets of it. A few minutes of breathing. A short walk outside, where no one can ask you where the Sellotape is. A stretch or two that reminds your body it still belongs to you.

For proper, science-backed advice (with far fewer swear words), you can read guidance on managing stress from Dr Louise Newson.

Check out Relate’s Christmas Sanctuary, with online resources including a 10-minute guided meditation session.

Also check out The Menopause Charity’s Managing Symptoms During the Festive Season.

As I sign off for 2025, I just want to say thank you, truly. Thank you for reading, sharing, showing up, and supporting Hot Flush in all the ways big and small. What began as an idea has grown into this blog, the newsletter, and two in-person events in Barnstaple, and through them, I’ve met some truly incredible women. The kind who remind you why these conversations matter.

Looking ahead, Hot Flush will be launching Meet & Chat sessions in Spring 2026 at The Growforward Project, Chelfham. They’ll be a warm, welcoming space to talk openly about perimenopause, menopause, and everything in between, no pressure, no judgement, just honest conversation and community. Dates and times will be shared in the new year.

And in a flash, 2025 draws to a close. Here’s to rest, reflection, and whatever the next chapter has in store. Wishing you a peaceful Christmas!

Photo: Westward Ho! beach on a wintery day.