How to Stop and Enjoy the Holidays as a Young Mom
The holiday season, with all of its magic and festive cheer, can also bring a whirlwind of activities, especially for young moms. Between holiday preparations, family gatherings, and keeping up with your energetic little elves, it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of the season's joy. Here are five essential tips for young mothers on how to pause, breathe, and truly enjoy this special time of year!
- Simplify your holiday to-do list.
Remember that a perfect holiday doesn’t mean doing everything. Prioritize the activities and traditions that hold the most meaning for you and your family and focus on those! In making these memories happen, don’t be afraid to delegate and share responsibilities. Even the littlest hands can help with decorations or cookie dough. Involving others can relieve excess stress and create lasting memories without being overly complicated.
- Make your traditions work for you.
Only keep traditions that are enjoyable for you! Remember - just because you’ve done something in the past doesn’t mean you have to do it this year! If something doesn’t work out this year, you can always choose to start it back up next year or let it rest for a while (or forever)! You get to choose what works for YOUR family this year.
- Schedule some ‘me time’
Amid the festive chaos, carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a short walk, or a relaxing bath, these moments can rejuvenate you. Or if you’re feeling extra energetic, you can even organize a simple favorite things party or cookie exchange with friends to give you time to recharge.
- Embrace Imperfection
Let go of perfection! The perfectly decorated home or the ideal holiday feast seen in magazines isn’t a necessity. Embrace the beauty in the imperfect, and remember it’s the togetherness that counts. Laugh and learn - if things don’t go as planned, take it in stride. These moments often make for the funniest and fondest memories.
- Take time to BE.
There’s a reason you’re working your tail off to create magical moments for your kids. Make sure you take a moment to pause and enjoy it! Let the dishes sit in the sink and enjoy decorating the cookies with your kiddos. Put laundry on pause and snuggle up for the Christmas movie. Capture some memories through pictures and videos and then put your phone away to be present and soak in the joy of the holiday season with your loved ones.
So make sure that amidst all of the hustle & bustle, you take time to experience the joy and love of the season. It’s not about the perfect holiday but the moments you share together with the ones you love most. Embrace the season with all its imperfections, and you’ll be able to find joy in the little things. Merry Christmas, Mama! Enjoy it!