Ah, the holiday season. All the treats, decorations, family gatherings, and festive cheer! What’s not to adore? Well, if you’re a mom, it’s not that you don’t cherish it—it’s just that this “most wonderful time of the year” can also be incredibly stressful. From the moment the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, the holiday hustle begins. While we might not rush out to shop at that very moment, the endless to-do lists start stacking up, feeling like they’ll never go away.
And let’s not forget, we’re heading into another holiday season during the pandemic (yay). The pressure to create an extra magical experience for our little ones is more exhausting than ever. I get it—I might sound a bit like a grinch right now, but it’s just so draining. Most of the holiday preparations, from shopping to wrapping to the infamous Elf-on-the-Shelf duties, fall solely on us moms. And that’s on top of juggling work and keeping up with the kids.
It’s time to step back and remember that burning out and running on empty is so 2019. So, fellow holiday magic-makers, take this as a gentle reminder to set some boundaries, ask for help, and be kind to yourself. You deserve to enjoy the holidays too!
Revising Traditions for Sanity’s Sake
Growing up, my mother hosted a massive cookie-baking event each year. She would whip up dozens of cookies—enough to satisfy Christmas, two Christmas Eves, three holiday parties, and even the classrooms of four children. It was a lot of baking, and yes, all from scratch, including that delicious buttercream frosting. We loved it! Naturally, I’ve tried to carry on that tradition.
But do you know how much flour is needed to make enough sugar cookies to feed a small village? It’s a challenge to balance allowing the kids to get creative with frosting while still managing to have a few cookies that look presentable. It’s meant to be fun, but the stress of it all often overshadows the joy I remember as a child.
Instead of throwing up my hands in frustration, I decided to switch things up. Did you know there’s pre-made cookie dough? Some even comes already cut into festive shapes. And yes, you can buy plain sugar cookies that are already baked! Game changer! As for frosting, I might just stock up on ready-made options.
My kids will still have a fantastic time even if I don’t make everything from scratch. And when hosting, if someone offers to bring a dish, I won’t hesitate to accept their help. Asking for assistance doesn’t diminish the holiday spirit; in fact, it can enhance it. It’s perfectly fine to adapt and adjust your plans to maintain your sanity, which might even allow you the chance to enjoy the festivities.
Show Yourself Some Grace
Holidays are enchanting but can also be overwhelming. There are gifts to buy, schedules to coordinate, and events to attend. Then suddenly, it’s January 2nd, and you’re left wondering how you missed it all. It’s not that you didn’t experience it; it’s just that you were too busy planning ahead to appreciate the magical moments.
Since the Elf on the Shelf became a holiday staple, I’ve taken on the responsibility of moving it from one spot to another. My children find it hilarious when they discover her in silly positions. But when I forgot to move the elf one night, I had a mini meltdown. How could I let that happen? I had one job! To avoid future breakdowns, I decided to change the elf’s story. Instead of moving her every night, she now leaves a countdown calendar in the days leading up to Christmas. It’s a small adjustment, but it helps me maintain my sanity.
The reality is that once the holidays arrive, moms often feel overwhelmed. We’re all human and can only handle so much. It’s time we enjoy the season just as much as everyone else. As the holidays approach, remember that you don’t have to do it all. Perfection isn’t necessary for wonderful memories to be made. Those who love you will remember the moments you shared together, not whether everything was flawless.
For more insights on navigating the holiday season, consider checking out this blog post and for expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this authority page or the CDC’s excellent resource.
Summary
The holiday season is a time filled with joy but can also be incredibly stressful for moms. Between the preparations, gift buying, and family gatherings, it’s easy to lose sight of the magic amidst the chaos. Instead of striving for perfection, moms should prioritize their well-being by asking for help and adjusting traditions to reduce stress. Enjoying the holidays alongside loved ones is what truly matters.