Handling Tricky Conversations this Xmas
3 Tools to Stay Connected (Without Losing Yourself or Imploding)
A FREE 30-Minute Workshop
Let’s be honest… this time of year can be gorgeous and magical and an absolute bloody minefield.
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People-pleasing
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Guilt-tripping.
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Old family patterns that drag you right back into your 12-year-old self.
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Emotional load.
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Overextension.
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Trying to keep the peace.
It’s… a lot.
Even the most capable women I know can feel that familiar December eye-twitch kicking in - the tight chest, the mental load creeping in before they’ve even got out of bed, the bracing for snippy comments, the overthinking of who’s going to be offended by what… and the slow dread of becoming the unofficial family therapist. Again.
And if you’re anything like the women in my world, you’re the one who quietly keeps the magic happening… making sure everyone has what they need, smoothing over awkward moments, anticipating tension before it even starts, buying the presents, planning the food, holding the emotional temperature of the whole room… all while pretending you’re fine.
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And the truth is, no one even sees how much you’re juggling, because you do it so well.
If your nervous system is already bracing, …you’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.
Let’s make this December easier.
What You’ll Learn in Just 30 Minutes
Three simple tools you can use immediately to stay calm, clear and connected - even in the most triggering moments:
1. Request vs Expectation vs Boundary
Most women confuse these and it’s why resentment builds. You’ll learn the difference and how to use each effectively.
2. The Inner Check-In
A 60-second self-regulation practice to steady your nerves and stop reacting from fear, guilt or old wounds.
3. The One-Line Reset
A single sentence that diffuses tension instantly when conversations get heated.
These are tools my clients use daily and they work. They take seconds to use - even in the middle of a difficult moment.
Why This Matters (Especially For You)
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Because clarity creates connection, not conflict.
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Because avoiding discomfort might keep the peace in the moment, but it always creates resentment later.
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Because you’re responsible for your needs and boundaries, not anyone else’s emotional reaction
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And because staying connected shouldn’t mean betraying yourself.
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If December usually leaves you exhausted, this will feel like a long exhale.
This Is For You If…
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You’re the “strong one” in your family
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You end up doing the emotional labour for everyone
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You want a calmer, kinder Christmas this year
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You’re tired of staying silent or saying ‘yes’ to keep the peace
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You want to respond, not react
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You’re ready to break old patterns… gently
No scripts.
No perfection.
Just clarity, boundaries, and more peace inside yourself.
Why This Matters
Most of us were taught to keep the peace, not speak our truth.
We learned to over-function, fix, apologise, or avoid — and it’s exhausting.
But by now, we know, staying silent doesn’t work.
It might keep things calm on the surface, but underneath, it quietly eats away at connection – with the other person and, even more painfully, with yourself.
You already know this. The more you hold back, the more resentment builds, and the harder it becomes to feel honest, close, or free to be fully yourself.
This workshop is about doing something different – learning how to stay kind, clear, and connected while you find your words, voice your truth, and hold compassion for yourself and others in the same breath. Because if nothing changes, the distance only grows.
A note from me
Hi, I'm Deborah Berryman
For over 20 years, I've been helping hundreds of women navigate tricky conversations, boundaries and family patterns with more clarity and self-connection.
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This workshop is my Christmas gift to you - a moment of grounding before things get busy.
Come as you are. Leave feeling steadier, clearer and more yourself.
Want to take it Deeper?
If this session hits home, I'll be opening up two coaching spots in January for women who are ready to take this work further — to turn clarity into lasting change through 1:1 coaching (4- or 12-week options).
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These fill quickly, so if this feels like your next step, grab your seat now and mark your diary.
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A Note on Safety
This workshop is for relationships where there’s basic safety and mutual respect.
If you’re in a situation involving emotional or physical abuse, please reach out to Women’s Aid or your local service. You deserve to be safe first.
Save Your Spot
If your shoulders just dropped reading this… this workshop is for you.
👉 SAVE ME A SPOT - I need this
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(You’ll get the Zoom link and replay details as soon as you register.)
No pressure, no sharing required - just come, listen, take what’s useful and breathe.
Expect to leave with more space in your chest, a calmer nervous system, and language that finally supports you.