The Art of Saying No: Avoiding Holiday FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

The holidays are here, and your group chat is exploding with invites. Ugly sweater parties, Secret Santa exchanges, and “mandatory” late-night hot cocoa hangouts—it’s all happening, and it’s all tempting. But honestly: between finals, a part-time job, and a budget tighter than your high school jersey (for those who proudly gained the freshman 15) during finals week, you know you can’t say yes to everything. The trick? Mastering the art of saying no—without feeling like a Scrooge. (Or the Grinch)

Here’s how to dodge holiday FOMO like a pro while still keeping your cool vibes:

1. Be Honest About Your Budget

Your wallet should not be a bottomless pit, point, blank, period. Instead of dropping $20 on yet another Secret Santa, suggest a low-budget alternative like a DIY gift exchange or a Dollar General run with a $5 limit. If your friends are your A-1 since day 1, they’ll get it.

• What to say: “I’m trying to save up for next semester, so I’ll have to pass on this one. Let’s do something low-key instead?”

2. Prioritize What Matters

Do you really want to go to that third holiday party of the week, or are you just afraid of missing out on something that may just end up being like the last 3 parties? Pick the events and traditions that truly matter to you—the ones that bring you joy or let you spend quality time with your most important people. Skip the rest guilt-free.

• What to say: Naw that's cool. I got too much going on, but I’ll catch you at [insert event you actually care about].”

3. Practice the “Soft No”

Sometimes, a straight-up “no” feels too harsh, especially if it’s a super close or super sensitive friend. Enter the soft no: a polite way to decline without making things worse or awkward. Blame your schedule, your bank account, or even your need for sleep—just keep it chill.

• What to say: “That sounds awesome, but I’ve got a crazy week. Let’s hang out after the holidays?”

4. Have a Backup Plan

If saying no makes you feel like a Debbie downer, plan something simple and fun on your own terms. Host a movie night, bake cookies, or organize a mini-Friendsgiving with zero pressure and all the good vibes.

• What to say: “I’m staying in, but y’all are welcome to come chill with me. Pajamas mandatory.”

5. Remember: It’s OK to Say No

Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person, a party pooper, or a Scrooge. It makes you someone who knows their limits and respects their own time and money and has amazing boundaries. The holidays are supposed to be about joy, not stress—so cut yourself some slack.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about how many parties you attend or how perfectly you celebrate. They’re about spending time with the people who matter most (including yourself) and making memories that don’t leave you broke or burned out. So, say no when you need to—and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. You’ve got this, holiday hero.