Hey friends! It’s that time of year again, and along with the holiday cheer, many of us are feeling the weight of the season. Let’s be honest—who else is going to make sure the stockings are filled, the perfect gifts are wrapped, and the Elf on the Shelf is moved around in some creative way? For many moms, the holidays can turn into a frantic race to keep up with everything from trendy holiday cards to the latest toy crazes.
There’s an essay floating around about how the bulk of holiday planning falls on women, calling it “emotional labor.” Sure, there’s truth to that, but let’s not pretend that all of those tasks are mandatory. The writer of the essay shares her stress over coordinating a family photo for those lavish cards—endless emails about scheduling, choosing the perfect picture, and crafting a festive message. But let’s pause for a second: do we really need to send out those cards? In this age of social media, my friends and family see my kids’ faces on a regular basis—why not just post a quick snap on Facebook instead?
We often forget we have choices! We can say “no” to the pressure of being a holiday superstar. That’s not really “emotional labor.” Real emotional labor is keeping track of all the day-to-day needs of our families—like coordinating with the school, making doctor appointments, or just remembering to buy toothpaste.
So, instead of stressing over the holiday extras that aren’t really essential, why not take a step back and ask ourselves what we genuinely want to do this season? If you’re dreading the annual Ugly Sweater Potluck, it’s okay to skip it! And if picking out unique gifts has you frazzled, consider gift cards instead. Remember, no one will be devastated if you don’t send that holiday card this year. Your mental well-being is more important than meeting others’ expectations.
If you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to create the perfect holiday, just say no. Your happiness should come first. Seriously, if all those seasonal tasks are sucking the joy out of the festivities, it’s time to reevaluate what truly matters to you.
Oh, and if you’re on a journey towards motherhood and want to explore at-home insemination, check out Make A Mom for their reusable options and this handy guide on how it works. Plus, if you’re looking for an artificial insemination kit, they have some great resources. And for those trying to boost fertility, you might want to look into these supplements for extra support. If you want to dive deeper into pregnancy and related topics, check out Progyny for some excellent insights.
To wrap it up, let’s give ourselves permission to step back from the holiday hustle and focus on what truly brings us joy during this season!
Leave a Reply