Ah, the holiday season! Filled with cookies, decorations, family gatherings, and a sprinkle of holiday magic. What’s not to adore? Well, if you’re a mom, you may love the festivities, but let’s face it: this time of year can also be incredibly overwhelming. As soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, it feels like the holiday rush kicks into high gear. While we may not dash to the stores immediately, the endless to-do list starts to accumulate quickly.
This year, we’re entering yet another holiday season amid the ongoing pandemic (yay!). The pressure to create a magical experience for our kids is heavier than ever. I know, I sound a bit like a grinch, but it’s just so exhausting. Much of the burden—shopping, wrapping, and even the Elf on the Shelf antics—falls squarely on our shoulders, all while juggling work and parenting.
Burnout is so 2019. So, to all my fellow holiday magic-makers, take this as a reminder to set boundaries, seek assistance, and be kind to yourself. After all, you deserve to enjoy the holidays too!
Embrace the Magic Without Saying Yes to Everything
Growing up, my mom hosted a massive cookie-baking event every holiday season. She would whip up an astonishing number of cookies—enough for Christmas, multiple holiday parties, and all of our friends’ classrooms. Yes, it was a lot of work, and of course, she made everything from scratch, including that delicious buttercream frosting. We loved it! So, naturally, I’ve tried to keep that tradition alive.
But do you know how much flour it takes to make enough sugar cookies to satisfy a small army? Or how challenging it is to balance encouraging little ones’ creativity with presenting cookies that actually look decent? It’s supposed to be fun, but the stress of it all often overshadows the holiday spirit I cherished as a child.
Instead of throwing in the towel or stressing myself out, I’ve decided to adapt. You can find pre-made cookie dough, and some even come in festive shapes! And guess what? You can buy already baked plain sugar cookies! Genius, right? When someone offers to bring something for the gathering, I’ve learned it’s okay to accept their help. It doesn’t diminish the holiday spirit; it enhances it. Adjusting your plans doesn’t mean you’re losing magic; it means you’re enjoying it more.
Give Yourself Some Grace
The holidays are enchanting, but they can also be a whirlwind of activity—gift shopping, managing schedules, and attending performances. Before you know it, it’s January 2nd, and you’re left wondering where the time went. You didn’t miss out; you were just too busy planning ahead to savor the moment.
I’ve been the sole mover of our Elf on the Shelf since it became a thing. The kids find it hilarious when she pops up in quirky places. But when I forgot to move her one morning, I had a small meltdown—how could I forget? I had one job! To prevent future breakdowns, we changed the elf’s routine. Now, she leaves twelve days before Christmas, offering surprises instead of acrobatics each morning. It may seem like too much, but it helps keep my sanity intact.
The holidays are notorious for stretching moms thin. At the end of the day, we’re all human and can only handle so much. It’s high time moms get to enjoy the season just as much as everyone else. So as the holidays approach, remember: you don’t have to do it all. Perfection isn’t necessary for wonderful memories.
Those who love you won’t focus on the details; they’ll remember the joy of being together.
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Summary:
The holiday season is a time of joy, yet it often brings stress for mothers. Embracing the festivities without overwhelming oneself is essential. By accepting help, adjusting traditions, and giving themselves grace, moms can enjoy the magic of the holidays just as much as their families.
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