Let’s be honest, the holiday season can be pretty stressful. We often see movies showing families having a great time together, but for many moms, the reality is more hectic. Every year, I find myself getting caught up in the whirlwind, promising myself to focus on what truly matters and reduce holiday stress.
We all want the holidays to be filled with warm memories for our families, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the season. Ever feel like you’re losing your mind around this time? There has to be a better way!
Over the years, I’ve looked for ways to keep the holidays special while still giving my kids joyful traditions and memories. We’ve found success by prioritizing experiences over material gifts, limiting the number of presents, and focusing on giving rather than receiving.
Even then, it’s hard to ignore all the external pressures despite our best intentions. Our to-do lists are long, and there’s a constant push to make everything perfect. However, I believe we can try to resist some of the stress and pressure from social media and societal expectations.
As the holidays approach, we’re bombarded with messages urging us to hurry: “Only a few days left until Christmas!” From TV ads to social media and store displays, the early start of holiday marketing can definitely ramp up stress levels, which isn’t good for our mental well-being.
This isn’t the type of holiday experience we want for our families. We don’t want to feel rushed or anxious about doing enough. Instead, we crave a time to connect with loved ones, creating memorable moments without added stress.
So, this year, let’s take charge of Christmas! While it might not be a perfect magazine-worthy holiday, it can still be a time where you find space for your family to enjoy meaningful traditions.
We owe it to our kids to manage the stressors and create a peaceful holiday atmosphere they’ll cherish. It doesn’t have to take much!
Our family has embraced minimalism, which helps us focus on what’s truly important and eliminate the non-essential. Minimalism even extends to our schedule; knowing our family values lets us only commit to activities that fit them.
One significant way we simplify the holidays is by giving just one material gift per person. While it might seem extreme, I’ve realized that experiences mean more to my family than things. This approach also aligns with our minimalist lifestyle and helps relieve financial stress during the holidays.
With so many fun events happening, we can’t attend everything. Though there are lots of activities we’d love to be part of, we choose only the most meaningful ones. This decision has reduced stress during an already busy time.
To help manage it all, I find it useful to create realistic expectations and set boundaries. This focus helps me prioritize family over never-ending holiday tasks.
Think back to past Christmases. What are the moments you treasure most? Usually, it’s not about things but the time spent with loved ones. Maybe it was baking cookies with family or driving around to look at Christmas lights while sipping homemade hot cocoa. Use these memories as inspiration for what you want to recreate and share with your family.
Make a list of a few “must-do” traditions based on these cherished memories. This list should be brief, focusing only on what truly matters.
As your family grows, favorite traditions may evolve, and that’s the beauty of it. There might be unique circumstances to consider (like a new baby or travel plans). Reevaluate your list based on what will bring the most joy this year.
Focus on traditions that help you connect with friends and family, and schedule them now. Don’t forget to set aside some downtime to help manage holiday stress. Say yes to things that bring joy, and no to the rest.
Sometimes, little habits steal our joy. It could be late-night online shopping or rushing last-minute to buy more gifts. Identifying even just one or two stressors to eliminate can be helpful.
Gift-giving is a delightful tradition, but it’s important to be intentional about our purchases. A surprising fact: in the U.S., only a tiny fraction of the goods we buy are still in use six months later. Experiences create lasting memories and stories. Setting a budget and choosing gifts carefully helps us not feel overwhelmed and appreciate what we have.
Focusing on giving rather than receiving can be tough for kids. Planning a “Give Back” day helps align expectations and get everyone on the same page.
To keep track of gifts, I like to maintain a digital record with photos stored securely, using apps like Evernote or Google Keep. Before making a purchase, check this album and give yourself a moment to decide if it’s the right choice.
Over time, traditions grow organically without much planning. By letting go and allowing memories to form naturally, we make room for shared experiences with our loved ones. Appreciate what you have and give your kids (and yourself) the greatest gift—being present and content.
How do you stay grounded during the holidays? What traditions do you want to cherish?
