Seeking Support During the Holidays
The holidays can be a time of overwhelming stress and exhaustion for a lot of moms. Juggling the demands of daily life while trying to create memorable holiday experiences for your loved ones can leave you feeling stretched thin. There is a lot of pressure to do everything to make this time of year exciting while checking all the “mandatory” boxes, but it simply doesn’t have to be that way. The good news is that you don't have to go it alone. This is the perfect time to lean into your support system for help and assistance in getting through this hectic stretch of time. If you aren’t sure how to ask for help, keep reading to find out some ways you can ask others for a helping hand.
Communicate Openly: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner, family, or close friends. Share your feelings and let them know that you could use some extra support during this busy time. Sometimes, those around you may not realize the extent of your responsibilities, so opening up can pave the way for understanding. Be as clear as you possibly can and give examples of what’s causing you to feel overwhelmed.
Create a To-Do List: Develop a comprehensive list of all of your holiday and everyday tasks and responsibilities. This could include shopping, cooking, decorating, picking up the kids from school, and more. By breaking down your to-do list, you can identify specific areas where you could use assistance. Share this list with your support system. Seeing everything laid out in one place makes it easier for them to see how they can pitch in. They will likely be willing to take things off your list right then and there.
Delegate Tasks: Once you've identified tasks that others can help with, delegate them accordingly. Whether it's asking a family member to pick up some groceries or enlisting your partner to assist with decorating the house, assigning specific responsibilities can lighten your load. Also, by being specific in your request, you’ll lessen your anxiety in asking for help.
Accept Offers of Help: Often, friends and family are more than willing to help but may not know exactly how to offer their support. When someone offers assistance, be open to accepting it. Whether it's a neighbor offering to watch the kids for a few hours or a friend helping with holiday preparations, saying yes can make a significant difference. Remember that to-do list? Utilize those offering to help to get everything on your list checked off!
Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of your own needs. By reaching out to your support system in a friendly and supportive manner, you create an environment where everyone can contribute to making the holiday season enjoyable and stress-free for all.
If you’re looking for more ways to grow your support system, check out our workbook: A Mom’s Guide to Building Connection.
