The holidays can be a tricky time of year. It can be a time to get together with family and friends, exchange gifts, share meals, and celebrate the magic of the season. For many though, it can be a VERY stressful time. Many of my mom friends share the experience of overcommitting, trying to live up to unrealistic expectations and stretching themselves too thin. I know I’ve been there too!! But as a woman on a mission to simplify, be more intentional, and proactively prevent unnecessary stress, I decided to share a few tips on how to keep the harmony during the holiday this year.
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Creating Boundaries
Be INTENTIONAL on how much you actually want to commit to during this busy time of year. Plan and prioritize what means the most to you. Only say yes to things you WANT to do, ENJOY doing and you actually HAVE TIME for. Politely say NO thank you to any invitations or requests that don’t fill your cup or that may rob you of your precious joy. Be realistic about what you can achieve to prevent unnecessary stress and disappointment. Clearly communicate your boundaries with friends proactively to help manage their expectations and set you up for success this season.
Protect your Time
Be PROTECTIVE of your time! Be sure to schedule in “me time”, dedicated to self-care, rest, and relaxation. Plan ahead and pencil in essential time for things that fill your cup and help you unwind – deep breathing, meditation, yoga, a luxurious bath, journaling, hobbies, etc. This time should be non-negotiable, just like any other commitment.
RELATED TOPIC: Give the Gift of Self-Care this Holiday
Delegate and Ask for Help
It’s 100% OK to ask others for assistance and to hand off tasks to others. Meal planning and prepping, decorating, cleaning, chores, errands, planning events, etc. can all be shared responsibilities. I know, I know, sometimes it’s faster to do things yourself. And maybe you like to have things done a certain way. I TOTALLY get it! But done is better than perfect. Try relinquishing a little control and allow others to take something off your plate to help prevent overwhelm and burnout this holiday season.
Mindful Moments
Maintain your peace by practicing more presence this time of year. Not more PRESENTS, more PRESENCE! Being fully engaged and giving your undivided attention. Sit with your kids and do a craft or decorate cookies. Cuddle with your holiday honey next to the fire and enjoy some quality time together. Fully enjoy that cup of coffee while it’s nice and hot.
With all the delicious holiday foods, be sure to savor and fully appreciate every bite. Focus on your senses while eating, avoid multitasking, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Your digestion will thank you and fostering a connection with your food will enhance the enjoyment and reduce overindulgence. Soak in the small pleasures of the season – a cup of soothing hot tea, a crackling fire, twinkling lights, the magic and innocence in your children’s eyes, or the warmth of a cozy blanket.
Practice Gratitude Daily
Start or end each day by reflecting on things you’re grateful for. Maybe this year has been extra challenging… Groceries are insanely expensive! Maybe you’ve been struggling with your health. Or you’re going through a job transition. We all have seasons in life that test us and temporarily make life extra tricky. But we have a choice to make every single day. Focus on what’s going wrong or focus on what’s going right, or in other words, what we are grateful for. CHOOSE to change your perspective! If the Grinch can do it, so can you!! Try writing down any 3 things (no matter how big or small) you are grateful for each and every day. This simple practice can shift your focus towards positivity and have a HUGE impact on your attitude and outlook.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Spend your time with those you love most this holiday season. Nurture your relationships with those who are supportive, uplifting, and unconditionally there for you. Protect your emotional wellness by setting boundaries and reducing contact with anyone who may contribute to unnecessary stress or drama in your life. If you’re like me and big gatherings and lots of small talk give you anxiety, skip it! It’s not worth draining your energy or wasting your precious time.
When it comes to gifts, think thoughtful over trendy. Also consider the environment when purchasing gifts this year. Try not to get sucked into consumerism. Just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you or someone else actually wants it or needs it. And when we end up buying things impulsively just because they are discounted, we most likely end up spending more money in the long-run. Most of us already have WAY too much stuff. Consider how this stuff makes you feel? How crowded is your closet? Is your kids’ play room busting at the seams with dusty toys that haven’t seen any action in months or years? Christmas doesn’t have to be about presents. You can CHOOSE to make it about memories, shared experiences, old and new traditions, and quality time with those you love. Your kids won’t remember all the gifts they get. They will pick their one favorite gift, and focus on that for a while until they become bored with it! What they will remember is how you made them FEEL during the holiday season and who they spent their time with.
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Get your Zzzzz’s
Establish and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even if traveling or partying. Consistency helps regulate the body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep quality. Better sleep = more energy, better focus, increased productivity, improved stress resilience, and SO much more! Don’t skimp on the snoozin this holiday season! It’s arguably MORE important than all other tasks on your TO-DO list.
In the midst of the holiday hustle, it’s ESSENTIAL for moms to remember that your well-being matters. By prioritizing self-care, embracing imperfection, and fostering a sense of mindfulness, the holiday season can be a time of joy and connection rather than stress and overwhelm.
Wishing you a holiday season full of peace, joy, and nourishment!
