Making the Holidays More Enjoyable

Everyone knows the holidays run on magic made by mom. She’s the reason things get done: photos are taken, decorations are put out, special foods are made. You’re probably sitting there thinking, “Hey! That’s me! I’m that magical mom!” and also simultaneously thinking, “Holy cow am I tired.” While you’re obviously a superhero for being a mom and the maker of holiday joy, you’re also only human. Feeling stressed, burnt out, and exhausted at holiday time are all completely normal feelings. Rather than crawling in a hole and waiting for the new year to roll around, here are three things you can do this season to make the holidays more enjoyable.  

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others 

As the queen herself, Taylor Swift, declared, “I keep my side of the street clean.” What other moms do or do not do during the holidays is none of your business. Similarly, what you do or do not do is none of their business either. Comparison is the thief of joy as oftentimes we find ourselves trying desperately, and unsuccessfully, to keep up with that others are doing. Just because your sister in law makes new elf on the shelf costumes for every day of December doesn’t mean you have to. If your work bestie shows off her cookie decorating skills on Instagram, throw a like on it and scroll on sister. There is no need to feel less-than for not doing or doing something differently than anyone else. 

Cross Things Off Your List

We all have a million things to do and get done throughout the holiday season. Luckily, many of us are surrounded by loving and capable people who want to help us out. Embrace their offers to help you do things and give them some tasks off your overflowing plate. Yes, of course, no one does it like mom and it might not be quite as good as when you did it. But at least it will be done and it’s one less thing for you to think about. If delegating tasks is something you struggle with, take a look at this post for a step-by-step guide to getting things done this holiday season. 

Prioritize Yourself 

Here’s the thing: if the holidays don’t run without mom, mom has to be in her prime. The saying, “You cannot pour from an empty cup” is super true, especially during the holidays. Be sure to take time every single day to engage in some type of self-care. Spend time recharging your batteries so you can be there for others. Maybe this looks like hiding in a linen closet with a bag of Trader Joes’ Jingle Jangle. Or maybe you just need to get out of the house and drive around for a little while. Whatever it is that helps melt the stress and come back reenergized is what’s most important during this time of year. 

We hope these tips help to make your holidays more enjoyable because after all, mom deserves to have fun this time of year too! Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more ideas and tips on self-care all throughout the year.