The holidays are stressful. There’s a lot of pressure and expectations set on us as mothers to “make the magic” for our families. It can be hard to stay present in the moment with a never ending to-do list. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, don’t forget to check in with yourself, your partner, or other support people in your life and adjust your focus to those things that truly matter so you can find your joy. Here are some ways to help cope with anxiety during the holidays to make them more enjoyable.
Know Your Boundaries
Setting boundaries for yourself, your time, and your wallet are important for keeping anxiety at bay. Know what you will and won’t do when it comes to planning outings, gatherings with friends and family, and your budget. If spending time with certain people in your life brings more stress than joy, it’s okay to just say no. If the idea of going somewhere or spending more than you are comfortable with, it’s okay to respectfully decline.
Knowing and sticking to your boundaries will help you stay grounded and avoid those nagging feelings in the back of your mind. Saying no can be hard, but you have to advocate for yourself and stick to what’s going to be best for you and your family.
Doing Less is OK
Social media has made it especially difficult to not compare ourselves to others. Vloggers on Instagram and TikTok make it look so easy to create the “perfect” holiday table or give their kids extravagant gifts or big vacations.
I fall for it too. You want your kids to feel the same nostalgia and magic you felt when you were a kid. But you don’t have to do all of the things or buy the biggest gifts to make the holidays special. Sometimes the smallest things are the most memorable.
Hot chocolate while watching the snow fall or cuddling up in front of a fire or to watch your favorite holiday movie are what your kids will remember the most. Not what presents they opened that year or how much money you spent.
Make Your Own Traditions
Traditions are exactly what you make them. They are special because you made them with your family. It doesn’t matter how big or small they are. Creating a new tradition with your family should be fun and not feel like an obligation.
Some things to try this year:
- Decorate cookies or a gingerbread house
- Write letters to Santa
- Go ice skating
- Make paper snowflakes
- Host a White Elephant gift exchange
- Read holiday books together
- Volunteer at a local charity
- Have a family game night
The holidays are stressful but they don’t have to be. Making the magic should be fun for you, too. Give yourself some grace and do a little less if that makes it easier to enjoy spending time with the ones you love the most.
