How to Simplify Holidays as a Mom and Enjoy the Season
Are Holiday Expectations Turning You into a Hot Chocolate-Fueled Stress Ball?
Let’s talk about holiday pressure. You know, the kind that sneaks up on you the moment your social media feed transforms into a sparkling wonderland of picture-perfect trees, matching family pajamas, and over-the-top holiday crafts that would make Martha Stewart cry tears of pride. Sound familiar?
Who decided that moms have to carry the entire holiday season on their shoulders while wrangling a preschooler hyped up on candy canes and a toddler who thinks the Christmas tree is their new snack bar? Seriously, WHO?
As moms, we’re constantly bombarded with the message that to make the holidays “magical,” we need to go above and beyond. Bake 12 different types of cookies. Handmake every decoration. Oh, and don’t forget to document every second of it with professionally edited photos.
If you’re Pinteresting at 2 a.m. while your inner voice screams, “Why are you doing this to yourself?!”, this post is for you.
The Truth About “Magical Holidays” (Hint: It’s a Lie)
Let’s get one thing straight: You don’t need to check every box on the “perfect holiday” list to be a great mom. Somewhere along the way, social media—and even our own high expectations—have us believing that if you’re not hand-stitching matching pajamas for your family or turning your living room into a Hallmark movie set, you’re failing at the holidays.
Spoiler alert: You’re not.
Your kids don’t care if your holiday cards are hand-calligraphed. They care about you. The real magic of the holidays isn’t in perfection—it’s in connection. (Eventhought that’s easier said than done when every scroll makes you feel like you’re not doing enough).
Social Media vs. Real Life
Let’s address the glitter-covered elephant in the room: social media. It’s a holiday FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) machine. One minute you’re content with your slightly crooked tree, and the next, you’re spiraling because Karen from Instagram made a life-sized sleigh out of recycled cardboard.
But here’s what Karen doesn’t post:
- Her screaming at her kids to “SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT!”
- Her husband mysteriously disappearing when it’s time to hang the lights.
- Her Googling, “How to make Christmas less chaotic without therapy or tequila.”
Comparing your messy, beautiful, authentic life to someone’s curated highlight reel? It’s just not fair—to you or your family.
Say It with Me: No.
This year, let’s collectively decide to stop trying to out-mom each other. The holidays are supposed to be fun, not a competition. It starts with saying no—a lot.
- No to Elf on the Shelf acrobatics. I’m all for tradition, but if it requires a nightly Pinterest strategy meeting, it’s a hard pass.
- No to guilt-driven gift overload. Your kids will remember the joy, the love, not the number of packages under the tree.
- No to hosting every holiday gathering. Trust me, your guests will survive if your appetizers aren’t shaped like a snowman.
- No to overbooking your calendar. You don’t need to attend every party, every event, or every community tree-lighting ceremony
- No to impossible standards. If baking cookies from scratch stresses you out, buy the pre-made dough and call it a day.
Instead, say yes to what brings you joy. For me, that’s cuddling with my kids in front of a movie (even if one is crawling on my head and the other is crying because their popcorn “looks funny”).
When you say no to what doesn’t serve you, you’re saying yes to what does—like enjoying your family, protecting your mental health, and maybe even sneaking in a nap.
Redefining What Matters
Let’s pause and think: What do we really want our kids to remember about the holidays? Chances are, it’s not the coordinated outfits or elaborate decorations. It’s the cozy movie nights, the laughter, the love, and maybe even the slightly burnt cookies that you all ate anyway.
Think back to your own childhood holidays. The most cherished memories often aren’t the flashy ones. They’re the moments of connection, the traditions that were perfectly imperfect, and the feeling of warmth and togetherness.
So, let’s make a pact: This year, we focus on that.
Reclaiming the Holidays
What if we ditched the hustle and embraced the messy magic of the season instead? Here’s what that looks like:
- Watching a holiday movie while folding laundry because multitasking is your superpower.
- Wrapping presents at midnight with mismatched paper because it’s what you had on hand.
- Laughing at the chaos when your toddler decides the ornaments belong in their toy box.
When we let go of the pressure to be perfect, we make room for moments that truly matter—like the way your child’s face lights up at the sight of the tree (even if it’s missing half its decorations).
Practical Tips for Keeping It Real and Stress Low (because saying stress-free is unrealistic)
1. Lower the Bar (Seriously). Store-bought cookies taste just as good as homemade ones. Promise.
2. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Get your partner or kids involved.
3. Focus on Fun. Whether your gingerbread house looks like a masterpiece or a demolition site, it’s the laughter that counts.
4. Turn “Perfect” into “Good Enough.” Did you string some lights? Great. Tree’s a little wonky? Even better—it’s character!
5. Take Breaks. When you’re about to lose it, grab a cup of coffee (or Baileys), hide in the bathroom for five minutes, and remind yourself you’re rocking this.
6. Limit Social Media. If scrolling triggers stress or comparison, it’s okay to take a break. Focus on what’s happening in your home, not someone else’s.
The True Magic of the Season
Here’s the secret: You’re already a great mom. Not because of how many lights are on your house or how many traditions you’ve checked off the list, but because of the love and care you pour into your family every single day.
Your kids don’t need perfection; they need you. They need a mom who’s present, even if the house looks like a festive tornado hit it. The magic of the holidays isn’t found in expensive gifts or perfectly coordinated traditions. It’s in the small moments, the memories you create together —on your own terms.
Let’s Keep It Real Together
So, let’s do things differently this year. Let’s ditch the pressure, say goodbye to unrealistic expectations, and reclaim the holidays as a time of connection and love.
What about you? How do you handle the holiday mom-pressure? Have you found ways to say no and simplify the season? I’d love to hear from you! Share your stories in the comments or tag me on social media.
Let’s start a new trend: Moms who celebrate the holidays their way, stress-freelow and full of love (and maybe a little wine). Cheers to that! 🎄
