Ah, the holiday season! The treats, the decorations, the family gatherings, and that enchanting holiday spirit—what’s not to cherish? But for mothers, while the joy is palpable, it often turns into the most wonderful yet extremely stressful time of the year. Once the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, it feels like holiday chaos begins. We may not rush to the stores immediately, but that relentless to-do list starts to grow, seemingly without end.
Compounding the stress this year is the ongoing pandemic (yay). The pressure to create a magical experience for our little ones feels more exhausting than ever. I know I might sound like a grinch, but the truth is, it’s all just so tiring. Most of the tasks—the shopping, the wrapping, the holiday cheer, and yes, even the Elf on the Shelf duties—fall on our shoulders. And let’s not forget juggling work and keeping up with the kids.
Burning out to the point where you have no joy left for those you love is so 2019. So, to all the holiday magic-makers out there, remember to set boundaries, seek assistance, and allow yourself some grace. After all, you deserve to enjoy the holidays too.
Holiday Cheer Doesn’t Mean Always Saying Yes
Growing up, my mom would host an annual cookie-baking marathon, making enough cookies to satisfy multiple holiday parties and classrooms. Yes, everything from scratch, including that delicious buttercream frosting. We loved it! So, naturally, I wanted to continue that tradition. But do you have any idea how much flour it takes to bake enough cookies to feed a small army? Plus, finding a balance between letting the kids express their creativity and ensuring some cookies are actually presentable is no easy feat!
Instead of stressing out or canceling altogether, I decided to adjust my approach. Guess what? There’s pre-made cookie dough available, and some are even already shaped and frozen! You can even buy plain sugar cookies that are ready to go! And for frosting? I’m all about buying it pre-made.
Just because my mom did everything from scratch doesn’t mean my kids won’t have just as much fun with a little help. If someone offers to bring something to our gathering, I’m not too proud to say yes. Accepting help doesn’t diminish the holiday magic—in fact, it can enhance it. It’s perfectly fine to adapt and find shortcuts that help you enjoy this season without losing your mind.
Show Yourself Some Grace
While the holidays are indeed magical, they can also be overwhelming. From gift shopping to keeping track of schedules and attending performances, it’s a whirlwind. Before you know it, it’s January 2nd, and you’re left wondering where the time went. You didn’t miss it; you were just too busy planning for the next moment to enjoy the magic happening right in front of you.
Since the Elf on the Shelf trend started, I’ve been the one responsible for moving our elf around. My kids find it hilarious to see her in silly positions, but one year, I forgot to move her! I had a mini breakdown. How could I forget?! To avoid future meltdowns, we changed the elf’s story. Now, instead of daily antics, she leaves a countdown calendar 12 days before Christmas, which helps me maintain my sanity.
The truth is, once the holidays arrive, moms often feel the pressure to handle everything perfectly. But we’re all human, and we can only handle so much. It’s time for moms to enjoy the season just as much as everyone else. So, as the holidays approach, remember that you don’t have to do it all. Perfection isn’t necessary for a wonderful celebration. Those who love you will remember the moments spent together, not the little imperfections.
For more insights on navigating the holiday season, check out this post on creating holiday magic without the stress here.
Summary:
The holiday season can be a delightful yet stressful time for mothers, filled with responsibilities and expectations. While traditions are important, finding ways to ease the load—like accepting help and adjusting expectations—can make the season more enjoyable. Embracing imperfection and cherishing moments with loved ones is key to truly enjoying the holidays.
Leave a Reply