As moms, we often spend the holiday season focused on making everything magical for our kids. Between the hustle and bustle of October through December—planning gatherings, attending events, and checking off endless lists—the joy can easily fade away.
Many moms I’ve talked to say they get so caught up in the stress that they barely enjoy the holidays anymore. I used to feel the same way.
Waiting for Joy
I used to wait until my to-do list was completely done before I let myself relax with a cocoa bomb or sit down for a cheesy Hallmark movie. Most years, that didn’t happen until Christmas Eve—or even after Christmas—which definitely took away some of the fun.
Hearing constant reminders that “we only have so many years while the kids are little” made me feel like the holidays were meant for them, not me. But I’ve realized something important: moms don’t have to choose between creating magic for others and celebrating in ways that fill us up, too.
Making Magic for Myself
Now, I make sure to create a little magic for myself as well. It starts with avoiding overcommitment. Each year, I focus on our “must-do” activities and let go of the rest. We can’t attend every breakfast with Santa or every cookie-decorating party—and that’s okay.
Instead, I pick one or two girls’ nights and a few family events. Cutting back has made the activities we do choose feel more meaningful.
Simple Joys, Just for Me
No one else in my family shares my love for cheesy Christmas movies, so I make time to watch them on my own. Sometimes I cozy up on the couch for a few quiet hours, and other times I play them in the background while folding laundry or cleaning. It’s my small slice of seasonal happiness.
Finding Balance While Hosting
Hosting brings me joy—but it’s also a lot of work. Over time, I’ve learned to adjust our traditions so that I can enjoy them too.
For Thanksgiving, my husband started running the Shrewsbury Turkey Trot. I used to skip it so I could start cooking early, but now I’ve shifted our meal time so I can go watch him and enjoy the parade before diving into kitchen prep.
For Christmas, I used to host brunch, which meant rushing through the morning and missing out on the excitement of watching my kids open presents. Now, we celebrate with extended family on a different day. That simple change lets me stay present, soak in the chaos of Christmas morning, and truly enjoy it.
Embracing the Season for Yourself
These adjustments might seem small, but prioritizing what brings me joy has made a big difference. Shopping, menu planning, and hosting feel lighter and more meaningful now.
So this holiday season, I encourage you to do the same. Slip on those cozy socks, sip your hot cocoa all month long, and bake your cookies early just because you can. Enjoy what you love about this time of year.
After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—you deserve some holiday magic too.
