The holidays are here! For many moms, this season is a mix of excitement, joy—and a fair amount of stress. Between shopping, holiday meals, school breaks, and endless family gatherings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
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Here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it all or be perfect. This season is about connection, joy, and, yes, some much-needed self-care. Here are practical tips for staying sane, maintaining your mental health, and still enjoying the magic of the holidays, even when things get chaotic.
1. Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself (and Others)
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to create a Pinterest-perfect holiday. But no one is going to remember whether the tree was decorated to perfection or if you made every homemade gift. The memories that last are the moments spent together—so lower the bar on perfection.
- Gift Giving: Stick to a budget, and if buying gifts for everyone feels like too much, opt for Secret Santa exchanges, group gifts, or consider making homemade treats or DIY gift baskets.
- Decorating: Simple can be beautiful. A few key decorations and some twinkly lights are more than enough to create that holiday magic.
2. Create Space for Self-Care (Yes, You Deserve It!)
Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When you’re running on empty, it’s impossible to be present for your family. Sneak in self-care, even with a packed schedule.
- Morning Rituals: Even if it’s just five minutes, take some time in the morning for yourself. Enjoy your coffee, read a few pages of a book, or do a quick breathing exercise.
- Mindfulness: Even in the chaos of holiday activities, try to incorporate mindfulness. Take a few deep breaths, stretch, or simply enjoy the moment instead of rushing through it.
3. Embrace Flexibility in the Schedule
School is out, and that means the usual routine goes out the window. While structure is important, it’s also essential to allow some flexibility during the holidays. Over-scheduling yourself and your kids can lead to burnout. Instead, find a balance between fun and rest.
- Plan Downtime: Winter break doesn’t need to be packed with events. Schedule some quiet time at home for board games, movie marathons, or just hanging out in PJs.
- Expect the Unexpected: Whether it’s an impromptu snowstorm or an unplanned visit from family, go with the flow. The holidays are often unpredictable, so embrace the chaos with a smile (or at least a laugh).
4. Delegate and Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything on your own. It’s okay to ask for help—whether it’s from your partner, older kids, or even friends and extended family.
- Share the Load: If your partner is available, ask them to take on some of the holiday prep (like wrapping gifts or assembling the kids’ bikes). Or delegate to your kids—little ones can set the table or help with easy tasks like stirring ingredients.
- Tag-Team Activities: Split up kid duties if possible. You can take a break while your partner entertains the kids, or let the kids have their own “quiet time” while you have yours.
- Outsource When Possible: Consider hiring help for things you can afford, like a cleaning service to tackle the holiday mess or a grocery delivery service to save time.
5. Prioritize Quality Time Over Quantity
If you’re trying to do it all—attend every event, visit every family member, and squeeze in every tradition—you’re setting yourself up for burnout. Instead of focusing on doing everything, focus on making the moments you do have together meaningful.
- Family Traditions: Whether it’s decorating cookies, watching your favorite holiday movie, or simply enjoying a walk together, focus on the moments that matter most. It’s about quality, not quantity.
- Be Present: Put away your phone and engage fully with your kids during these special moments. This is the gift that will last.
6. Know When to Say No
You don’t need to say yes to every holiday invitation or every family member’s request. Saying “no” is not selfish—it’s self-care. Protect your time and energy by prioritizing what’s truly important.
- Protect Your Space: If an event feels like it’s going to add stress rather than joy, don’t be afraid to politely decline. Your mental health should always come first.
- Don’t Overcommit: If you’re feeling stretched thin, cut back on extra obligations. Remember that it’s okay to just say no to make room for rest and recovery.
Acknowledge your efforts and give yourself credit. You are doing your best, and that’s enough.
The holidays and winter break may be busy, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Remember that you don’t have to be perfect—you just need to be present. The memories you create will be worth far more than any perfectly wrapped gift or holiday photo.
Take a deep breath, mama—you’ve got this!
Audrey Mattevi
Reporting