It’s that time of year when cold hits and I hunker down in my favorite sweatshirt that says, “This Mama Needs a Silent Night.”
For moms, the holidays are less "silent nights" and more "crazy days." Between holiday concerts, class party sign-ups, and relatives with "helpful" last-minute plans, it’s easy to find yourself facing seasonal burnout.
When you’re the CEO of your family’s holiday experience, it’s easy to put yourself dead last on the list. But trust me. If your energy reserves are drained, no one gets the holiday they deserve.
So how do you navigate the seasonal hustle without burning out or losing your mind?
In my recent LinkedIn article, I wrote about how seasonal burnout impacts professionals during the holidays. But let’s be real—moms know this stress better than anyone. Here are three quick strategies to keep the season joyful without losing your sanity:
1. Trim the Holiday “To-Do” Tree
We moms are masters at overcommitting. Every year, we add more ornaments to our metaphorical holiday tree: hosting the neighborhood cookie swap, hand-stitching costumes for the school play, and curating holiday magic that would make Santa jealous.
If you suspect no one actually cares about your homemade gingerbread house except Instagram, it’s time to ditch it. Instead, double down on the moments that matter—like sipping cocoa in pajamas with your kids or having a family movie night.
Ask yourself:
What’s truly meaningful to my family during the holidays?
What’s non-negotiable, and what can I let go of?
2. Find Micro-Moments of Joy
Sure, a weekend spa retreat sounds like heaven, but let’s be real—your schedule (and budget) probably can’t swing that right now. Instead, focus on bite-sized self-care moments that fit into your day without adding stress.
Examples:
Five minutes of deep breathing before you tackle that pile of holiday wrapping.
An evening walk to look at holiday lights—alone, if you can swing it.
Turning on your favorite playlist or favorite holiday movie while folding laundry.
These micro-moments don’t just replenish your energy; they remind you that even amidst the chaos, you matter.
3. Rethink “Holiday Cheer” as Connection, Not Perfection
Moms often feel like the success of the season rests squarely on their shoulders. But spoiler alert: your family will remember the laughter and love, not the Pinterest-worthy decor or whether your dinner rolls were made from scratch.
What if this year you focused on the feeling of the holidays instead of the look? Schedule one low-stress family activity a week—whether it’s a game night, a drive to see holiday lights, or just making popcorn and watching Elf.
And when things go sideways (because they might), practice “messy mindfulness.” Laugh at the chaos, embrace the imperfection, and remind yourself that this is what memories are made of.
Happy (if not a little crazy) Holidays!
~Your Real Life Fairy Godmother™
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