How to Make It Through the Holiday Season: Moms and Self-Care

The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can also be a time of added stress. If you’re a mom, you know all too well how  the holiday season can be a juggling act between work, family, and social obligations. It’s important to practice a little self-care during this time so that you can de-stress and fully enjoy the holidays without being overwhelmed.

 In this blog post, I am sharing some self-care tips for moms like you to make it through the holiday season guilt-free. From taking breaks to saying no to extra commitments, read on for some helpful self-care tips.

 Want to keep your kids busy? Why not print out our free "12 Days of Christmas in Bethlehem Advent Calendar" and learn a new song?

Recognizing When You Need a Break

Stress can sneak up on you during the holiday season. After all, there are presents to buy, parties to attend, and family to see. However, if you're starting to feel overwhelmed, it's important to take a step back and focus on self-care. Here are a few signs that you might need a break:

-You're feeling stressed or anxious more often than usual;

-You're having trouble sleeping or concentrating;

-You're snapping at people more frequently;

-You're feeling rundown or exhausted.

If you notice any of these signs, it's time to take a break and de-stress. Even if it's just for a few hours, taking some time for yourself can make a world of difference. Consider using your break to do something relaxing for you.

Mom, you can avoid holiday burnout!

So the cards weren't mailed, the cookies got burned, the kids are overly excitable, and the husband—well, we love him. There are so many things to do and so little time to do them. It's easy to get overwhelmed and burned out. But it doesn't have to be that way!

Here are some tips to help you avoid holiday burnout before it happens:


1. Plan ahead. Make a list of things that need to be done and start working on them early. This will help you stay organized and avoid last-minute stress. *If you want to plan your day, making a schedule can help. Use this free homeschool schedule to help outline your plans.

2. Delegate tasks. Don't try to do everything yourself! Ask your spouse, family, and friends for help with tasks like decorating, gift shopping, and cooking.

3. Take breaks. When you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a nap.

4. Stay healthy. Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods to keep your energy levels up during the holiday season. Sometimes our body needs more energy—healthy sugars are needed! A fed mama is a happy mama!

5. Set realistic expectations . Being productive is essential, but not at the cost of others' feelings or the attachment we have with our children and families. It’s okay to skip the to-do list sometimes and get outside and connect with our kids. That is not wasted time!

Practice Some Self-Care to Be a Better Mom

It’s the most wonderful time of the year... But it’s also a time when moms are under an immense amount of pressure. Between holiday parties, shopping, cooking, and entertaining, it’s easy to let your own needs fall by the wayside. But if you don’t take some time for self-care and de-stress, you’re going to be a grumpy, exhausted mess. and that’s not going to do anyone any good.


So how can you fit in some self-care while still taking care of everything else on your plate? Here are a few ideas:

1. Get enough sleep. This is easier said than done when you’ve got a million things to do, but it’s important to try. If you can sneak in a nap here or there, great. But even just making sure you go to bed at a reasonable hour will help you feel better overall.

2. Spending a little money on great books! Okay, this is my personal soapbox, and maybe it isn’t necessary, but buy and read the good books guilt free! Just my opinion 🤣

3. Bubble baths or long showers Nothing relieves tension like aromatic soaps in the tub or shower. Breathe deeply and relax for a few minutes each day. You deserve it!

However you decide to pamper yourself, know that self-care isn't selfish; it's part of being a functional, happy mom.

You know what else is great for de-stressing? Coloring! Grab our free Christmas coloring page here and do it.

Let Go of the Guilt

The holiday season can be a time of stress and guilt for moms. We often put our own needs last as we try to make the holidays perfect for our families. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and, worse yet, resentful.

It's important to remember that you can't do it all. Give yourself permission to let go of the guilt and focus on taking care of yourself. This doesn't mean neglecting your family, but it does mean making time for yourself.

Most of the things I feel guilty about or hear others feeling bad about are things that take a little time for ourselves. Mamas, we need time to fill up our cups. It’s okay to carve out that time, and it’s needed!

Another big guilty trip for many moms is a clean home. My house isn't clean all the time. Sometimes it is and sometimes it's not, and that's ok. Just truth!

You may also want to consider getting some help with holiday preparations. That’s the last thing we should feel guilty for. Mamas need a good village to make it through the busy times.

Remember, this too shall pass.

Remember the old adage that "this too shall pass." The holiday season will eventually come to an end, and things will go back to normal (whatever that is).

So sip your favorite holiday beverage and let the happiness of the holiday season unfold!

From our family to yours, may you have a wonderful Christmas season! We will see you in the new year!

 

 


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