It’s here! The most beautiful time of the year in so many ways. Time with loved ones, the lights, the decorations, cozy sweaters and blankets, and delicious meals and baked goods. But for moms, this can also come with a ton of stress, anxiety, and tears. Why are we like this?
Well for starters, we feel solely responsible for our kid’s joy and making everything magical for them.
There are so many activities this time of year and we feel compelled to do every last one of them. We want to give our kids as many good memories as we can. We have to buy gifts for everyone in our lives – the kids’ teachers, dance instructors, their dog, you name it. We want to host events at our homes to help people who need a safe place of love this time of year and we want to be fully present for them. And somehow through all of these things, we have to find time to sleep and shower.
If you have been stressed or anxious about the holidays since Sep. 1, I want to remind you, and myself, that we are only capable of handling so much. We do not have to do every single thing, and we don’t have to post a thing on the internet to prove anything to anyone. Our kids love us whether we take them to one light show or one every single day of December.
If you are not a super crafty mom, you do not have to pretend to be. Choose a couple of projects that you know your kids will love, split them up through December, and pick a place in the house to display them. You’ll remember that you did something fun with them, and the kids can see their hard work. They will be so proud that they contributed to the holiday setup in your home. If you love the idea of homemade gifts but you just don’t have the time or patience, consider supporting a small business that makes what you need.
Write your tasks down or put them in your phone. Seeing everything that needs to be done can help you see that you may be at your capacity and there are probably things that can be taken off the list.
Ask for help. Make it a girls’ day with a friend so you can help each other with the kids while you get things done. It will also help your mental state to be around someone who understands you as you navigate a stressful time!
Don’t forget to take a break and a deep breath and remember your blessings. Things have been hard for a few years now but there is still something to be grateful for. May that gratefulness guide you to peace and joy through the holiday season.
