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Ah, the holiday season. The festive cookies, twinkling lights, family gatherings, and a sprinkle of magic. What’s not to adore? But for moms, it’s a bittersweet experience. It’s the most delightful, yet undeniably stressful time of the year. As soon as the clock strikes midnight on November 1st, it feels like holiday mode is in full swing. While we may not rush to the stores immediately, that ever-growing to-do list starts accumulating and feels endless.
Adding to the challenge, we’re entering yet another holiday season during a pandemic (oh joy). The pressure to create a magical experience for our little ones can be more exhausting than ever. I know I sound like a bit of a Scrooge, but it’s just so draining. Most of the holiday tasks—shopping, wrapping, creating magic, and yes, even managing that Elf on the Shelf—fall squarely on our shoulders. All this while juggling work, chasing after kids, and maintaining our usual routines.
Burning out to the point of having no holiday spirit left for those we love is so pre-2020. So, to all you holiday magic makers out there, consider this your reminder to set boundaries, seek support, and show yourself some kindness. After all, you deserve a joyful holiday season too.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit Doesn’t Mean Saying Yes to Everything
Growing up, my mom hosted an annual cookie-making marathon. She’d bake countless cookies—enough for Christmas, multiple parties, and even for classrooms. And yes, she did it all from scratch, including that delicious buttercream frosting. We loved every bite! Naturally, I’ve taken up this tradition.
But let’s be real—how many bags of flour does it take to make enough cookies to feed a small army? And finding the balance between letting kids unleash their creativity with frosting and actually having a few cookies that look decent can be overwhelming. The fun can quickly turn into chaos, which isn’t the holiday magic I remember.
Instead of feeling defeated or withdrawing from the festivities, I decided to simplify things. Yes, there is pre-made cookie dough available, and some even come ready to bake in festive shapes! And guess what? You can buy pre-baked cookies too! Genius, right? As for frosting, I’m ready to stock up on the store-bought stuff.
Just because my mom made everything from scratch doesn’t mean my kids won’t have just as much fun with a little help. Plus, if I’m hosting and someone offers to bring something, I won’t hesitate to accept. Asking for help doesn’t diminish the holiday magic; it often enhances it! Remember, it’s perfectly okay to adapt your plans. If it helps you maintain your sanity, you might even find time to enjoy the holidays yourself.
Show Yourself Some Kindness
The holidays can be enchanting, but they also come with intense pressure. There are gifts to buy, schedules to juggle, and performances to attend. It’s a whirlwind that can leave you wondering how it all flew by by January 2nd. You didn’t miss it; you were just too busy planning ahead to savor the magic of the moment.
Since the introduction of Elf on the Shelf, I’ve been responsible for moving ours every night. My kids absolutely love it. They giggle when they find her in silly places like my morning coffee mug (sans coffee, of course) or swinging from the pantry door. But I learned the hard way that I needed to change my approach when I forgot to move her one night.
I was up early, and the kids were none the wiser, but I had a mini-meltdown. How could I forget? I had one job! To prevent future breakdowns, we altered the tradition. Now, the elf leaves twelve days before Christmas, bringing a countdown calendar instead of her usual antics. It’s a little unconventional, but it helps me maintain my sanity.
The reality is, moms often bear the brunt of holiday pressure. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and there’s only so much cheer we can muster. This holiday season, remember that you don’t have to do it all. Perfection isn’t necessary for a wonderful holiday. Your loved ones will cherish the moments spent together far more than any cookie or decoration.
This article was originally published on November 5, 2021.
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Summary:
The holiday season, while magical, can also be overwhelming for moms. From baking cookies to managing family traditions, the pressure to create a perfect experience can lead to stress and burnout. It’s essential for moms to set boundaries, accept help, and focus on enjoying the moments that matter. Remember, the holidays are about togetherness, not perfection.
Keyphrase: holiday stress for moms
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