Being a mom is tough, especially during the holiday season when we have to juggle all the family gatherings and holiday prep, while still doing our day-to-day mom activities! Trust me, as a mom of four, I get it. But over the years, I've come to learn that a bit of planning and some help from friends and family can make all the difference. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, just know that you're not alone and that there are ways to make it through the holiday season with your sanity (and sense of humor) intact.
Here are my top five mom-approved holiday survival tips to help you get through it all with grace:
Tip 1: Get your partner on board and ask for help from family.
Don't try to take on everything yourself this holiday season - delegate tasks like cooking, decorating, and gift-wrapping to your loved ones. Not only will it take some of the pressure off of you, but it'll help you bond with your family and make holiday prep a team effort. Even the kids can pitch in - try turning cleaning their room into a game or make decorating the Christmas tree a family project. Trust me, it'll make the whole process a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
And what we’ve come to learn over the years is that cooking is not a mom activity! It’s family bonding time. Over Christmas, we’re all in the kitchen making a mess, laughing, and just having a great time while also preparing our Christmas feast!
Tip 2: Make a list and stay organized.
Staying organized and managing your time effectively is key to surviving the holiday season (I learned that the hard way!) Make a to-do list, prioritize your tasks, and use a planner or calendar to schedule events and appointments. And don't be afraid to ask your partner for help when you need it - two heads are better than one after all.
Tip 3: Take breaks when needed.
Don't forget that the holiday season is just as much for you as it is for everyone else! Make sure to schedule in some time for yourself to relax and recharge. I always ask my husband to step in and take over when I need a break - it really helps to have some time to just do something you enjoy, whether it's taking a walk, reading a book, or watching a movie. Taking a little bit of time for myself has always been a lifesaver for me during the holiday season. It helps me recharge and feel more refreshed, which makes it easier to be more present and make it through the holiday season.
Tip 4: Don't sweat the small stuff and keep things in perspective.
I totally get it. As moms we have the best intentions in trying to create the perfect holiday. But the downside is that it's so easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect for the holidays and we end up stressing out and trying to control everything.
When this happens, it is important to keep things in perspective and remember what the holidays are really all about - spending time with loved ones and being grateful for what we have. So if things don't go exactly as planned, just take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the time with your loved ones.
Tip 5: Master the art of saying ‘no’ and set boundaries.
One of the most important things to remember, and something that I personally had to learn, is that it's okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being. It's not necessary to feel obligated to attend every single party or event that comes our way. It's completely fine to say no and make time for the things that you truly want to do. And sometimes, there's just nothing better than a cozy night in with the family, watching a holiday movie on the couch.
As moms, it's natural to want to make sure your family has the perfect holiday experience possible, and that can add a lot of pressure to an already hectic season.Remember that it's okay to ask for help or take a break for yourself when you need it. The most important thing is to prioritize your own well-being and do your best - that's all anyone can ask for. So don't be too hard on yourself, and have a happy and relaxing holiday season!
