The holiday season is known as a time of joy, love, and celebration. But for moms, it can also be a season of stress, endless to-do lists, and overwhelming expectations. Juggling family, traditions, and the added pressures of the holidays can take a toll on even the most resilient moms. But fear not, in this post we will discuss practical tips and tricks to help you navigate the holiday season with a sense of calm and joy.
Prioritize Self-Care
The first and most important step in managing holiday stress, is to prioritize self-care. I know, I know - when are you supposed to do that? Us moms barely have time to prioritize self care during the 10 months leading up to the holidays, right? — Build it into your schedule. Don’t roll your eyes. Seriously. Put it on your list and don’t forget to check it off. Remember, you can't take care of your family if you're not taking care of yourself. And if you want to make magical memories for your children you need to be able to enjoy the season for yourself as well. Make time for relaxation, whether it's a bubble bath and a glass of wine, a few minutes of meditation or prayer, or zoning out with a good book. Don't forget to get enough sleep and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up during the holiday rush.
Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest sources of holiday stress is having unrealistic expectations. This is especially true in today’s society with the influx of influencers selling their seemingly perfect lives on social media. It's essential to remember that the "perfect" holiday doesn't exist. You don’t need to live in a 3,000 square foot home to host the perfect holiday party. You don’t have to cook elaborate meals or pose in matching holiday outfits to find happiness. You don’t have to spend a fortune on gifts for your loved ones to show how much you care. Embrace imperfections and focus on what truly matters - spending quality time with your loved ones, because THAT is what’s most important, mama! Set achievable goals and prioritize your tasks based on what's most important to you and your family, not what you see flooding the internet. I know I’m guilty of comparison and if we’re honest with ourselves we all are, but you won’t find happiness or the magic in the holidays by following trends or trying to keep up with what others are doing.
Plan and Delegate
Holiday planning can be overwhelming, so don't be afraid to delegate tasks to other family members. If you are hosting a holiday gathering, ask for others to bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Most people, especially those with children of their own, will be more than happy to share the workload with you. Involve your children in age-appropriate holiday preparations, and let them share in the joy of creating traditions. This is obviously easier as your children get older and can look different from year to year. Be willing to compromise on certain things here. If you’re a list person like me I suggest creating a holiday schedule or checklist to avoid last-minute chaos and ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
Simplify Traditions
While it's wonderful to have cherished holiday traditions, it's also important to simplify where you can. Choose a few meaningful traditions that bring joy to your family and let go of those that only add stress. Consider creating new, low-key traditions that don't require extensive planning or preparation. As someone who’s a creature of habit this was difficult for me. When my husband and I first got married and had kids I wanted to continue the traditions my family had growing up, embrace the traditions my husband’s family shared, and start new traditions in our own home with our own children. It took me one holiday season and an immense amount of stress to learn that taking on all of that wasn't going to be possible. You live and you learn, right?
Reach Out for Support
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's leaning on your spouse, seeking support from friends, or even hiring help, there's no shame in reaching out. Surround yourself with a support system that can provide emotional and practical assistance during the holiday season. Like I mentioned before in the topic of delegating tasks, friends and family who have been in your shoes or are in a similar stage of life will understand if you need help. You should feel absolutely no shame in asking for or accepting that help. At some point we ALL need it.
Stay Mindful
During the holiday hustle and bustle, it's easy to lose sight of the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Take a few moments each day to breathe, appreciate the small moments, and express gratitude for the blessings in your life.
The holiday season should be a time of joy and love for moms, not an overwhelming source of stress. By prioritizing self-care, setting realistic expectations, planning, simplifying traditions, seeking support, and staying mindful, you can navigate the holidays with more grace and less stress. Remember, the most important thing is the love and togetherness you share with your family. So, take a deep breath, embrace the holiday spirit, and create lasting memories that you and your children can cherish for years to come.
Happy holidays, mama! You’re a rockstar!
Do you have any tips you think should be added to our list? Comment below and share your thoughts!
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