How do I break his heart so close to Christmas?

Before you break this off, realize you have a nice thing... He cares about you and that's usually something all a women can truly ask for. But you're right, a clingy relationship isn't a healthy one. My advice to you, before you break it off, is to try and fix it. Be honest and straight with him (although I'd assume you already have). This time around, tell him that you really love to spend time with him, and care about him, but that his clinginess is really frustrating. Ask him to understand that you need your own space, and you need to go out and have fun with your girls and make it clear that your relationship won't work if you two don't have time away from each other. Make sure he knows that you're frustrated. I can't stress that more. If he truly cares about you, he wouldn't want to frustrate you, he would want to make you happy and he would back off a bit as a result. If he won't, consider that selfish.

You should really do this before breaking up. It will at least serve as fair warning.

Let's say you really have had it though... well, truth is, there never is the right time to break up with someone. It's going to hurt, but you can make it a bit easier. You would start off by letting him know you two need to have a serious talk. You should tell him that you need to spend more time by yourself, and that you really don't have anything against him, it's just that you need space from people, and that it wouldn't be fair to him, you, or your relationship if you didn't end it, simply because you can't provide your all for him right now. Suggest staying friends... and voila. Notice that you don't blame it on him directly, that isn't nice, although he does get the message that you need space, which is a reason for the breakup.

Honestly, don't ever let anyone tell you to refrain from breaking up at all costs, simply to save someones heart. How would you feel if someone stayed with you out of guilt? How would you feel if some didn't love you the same way but chose to stay with you? This doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a chance, however.

Don't end it just yet. Tell him you are being smothered and you need a little space. reaffirm that you still like him and want to be with him and gently tell him to give you some breathing room. This way you have a chance of it getting better, and if not you did not only give him a warning you bought yourself some time so you don't have to dump him around Christmas.

Oh, this is a really difficult position. I suggest, you call him over and talk to him. Honestly he seems really sweet and protective but I get you need some time alone sometimes. Just give him a heads up, explain sometimes you need your personal space, and you love him, but you just need a bit of space sometimes. See how it turns out. If it really isn't working out, I suggest you talk to him again. Really, try and resolve the conflict, breaking it off will hurt him even more.

If you must, try and hold it off until after christmas. I know it sucks, but it would really ruin it for him.

But my suggestion is to talk to him. If you love him and he loves you he should understand and tone it down a level.

Good luck!

You don't have to break his heart. Let him down slowly by saying that you must be honest and say it's not working for you but you want to remain good friends.

I think you need to address this, and now

no point prolonging the agony because its christmas

you just need to tell him gently you are no longer happy and can see the relationship isnt fullfilling for either of you and its time to go your different ways, and not remain in contact for both your sakes, and wish him well

if he is so clingy he may try various methods (email/texts etc) do not answer

it just feeds his hopefullness of reconciliation

block him if you have to

good luck, its not something to relish, but it has to be done