A Busy Mom's Guide to a More Peaceful Christmas

Moms often feel responsible for creating the "perfect" Christmas experience, from decorations to gifts to meals. These expectations can lead to pressure to meet the standards of past holidays or what you see on social media.

Many moms put extra pressure on themselves to make everything magical. These expectations only add more tasks to the already heaping holiday plate, whether externally or internally applied. In addition, Moms often manage the logistics, from scheduling family gatherings to buying and wrapping gifts, coordinating events, and sending out Christmas cards. The financial strain of the season only adds to feelings of stress.

Here are some ways to help manage mom stress during the holidays:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Prioritize: Decide which traditions and activities truly bring joy, and let go of those that add more stress than enjoyment.

2. Delegate Tasks

Involve the family: Don’t take everything on yourself. Involve your partner and kids in tasks like decorating, wrapping gifts, or baking.  It’s ok to ask for help! 

3. Start Early

Organize ahead: Create a to-do list or holiday calendar at least a few weeks before Christmas to stay on top of tasks, leaving room for adjustments. Start shopping early to avoid last-minute panic. 

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Take breaks: Schedule time for yourself, even if it’s just a 15-minute break with a cup of tea, a quick walk, or reading a book. Don’t neglect your well-being in the holiday rush.

5. Focus on What Matters

Emphasize family time: Shift the focus from material things and perfection to spending quality time with loved ones. Enjoying moments together can take the pressure off having the "perfect" holiday.

It's a wonderful gift to create holiday magic for others, but not by sacrificing our sanity. As moms, the best gift we can give ourselves is to enjoy the magic of Christmas without all the added pressure that may come with it.