I absolutely love Christmas time, well now that I can relax and just enjoy it. This time of year can also come with its own level of Stress too. With expectations and excitement at an all-time high learning to manage that Stress is something that every busy mom should know how to do.

While it may be the first week in December, I know many are already starting to feel that stress and pressure that the holidays can bring. Don’t worry, I have got you covered! ? First thing is first, slow down and remember. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus, who is the light of the world. I want this Christmas to be the one you look back on and remember as the one that you felt the most love and joy in. This is why I am sharing some of my favorite tips to deal with your biggest holiday stresses.

Get Organized

Look at that Calendar, do you have all your family, work, school, and social events on there. If not get everything written down. This is where I find a paper planner still comes in handy as you can look at everything together in one place. This will help you to see if you possibly have overbooked yourself and have overlapping events. Making the decision in advance if you must on which activity you will go to and which one you may have to pass on.

Make a List of things To-Do

And check it twice, wow did Santa ?? knew what he was doing! Take a good look at that calendar and really think through everything that you need to do for the month. Don’t forget to consider things like cleaning, cooking, decluttering, and even decorating. Write down everything, you may need separate list for items like menu planning, shopping, holiday baking. Don’t forget to add in some fun activities as well like visiting holiday lights, watching your favorite movies, family game nights and visits with Santa.

Ask for Help

As a mom this time of year can become overwhelming with everything we have to do, but it does not have to be solely your responsibility. Here is my list of things you can get the family involved with to help.

• Split up the gift buying – let your husband help by buying gifts for his co-workers or his side of the family
• Have a whole family baking day
• Get your kids to go through their old toys
• Divide up the dinner menu / Have a potluck style Dinner
• Assign Chores and decorating responsibilities
• Ask family or hire a babysitter while you shop or prep

Take a Break

With all the family interactions, demands on our time and schedule, and the added items to our to-do list it is easy to become frustrated, overwhelmed and even burnt out. Sometimes we just need to take a break. Here are some ways that you can take a break this holiday season so that you can come back feeling rested and refreshed.

• Get some fresh air outside
• Take a nap
• Do a workout
• Spend time on a Hobby
• Get out and do something away from your house
• Take a bath
• Unplug from email and social media
• Watch a Christmas Movie
• Play a board game

Get or Do something Special for yourself

What is that one thing that you really wanted this year that no one knows about or your probably didn’t get? Here is your permission slip to go ahead and order it for yourself. Some ideas for gifts for yourself:

• A post-Christmas Massage or hair appointment
• A new Planner to get you excited about 2023
• A Post Christmas House cleaning

I promise you that this is not selfish, it is a well-deserved treat for yourself.

My wish for you this Christmas is a day of peace, love, and fun! I challenge you to focus this year on the time you have together with your family and not so much on the presents under the tree.

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