Mom enjoying motherhood during the holidays

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind.

As a mom, you’re juggling family traditions, gift shopping, parties, and making everything magical for your kids.

It’s a beautiful time of year, but it can also be overwhelming.

If you're not careful, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos and forget to enjoy these moments.

Motherhood during the holidays doesn't have to be stressful.

Here’s how you can make the most of it and actually enjoy the season.

10 Easy Ways to Enjoy Motherhood During the Holidays

1. Simplify Where You Can

The holidays come with so many expectations. But you don’t have to say “yes” to everything.

Simplify your to-do list. Think about what’s most important to your family, and let go of the things that add unnecessary stress.

Maybe you don’t need to bake six different types of cookies.

Maybe you skip the huge Christmas card mail-out. Focus on what really matters to your family’s traditions and let the rest go.

If you can streamline your holiday tasks, you’ll find more time to truly enjoy moments with your kids.

Keep it simple, and don't overcommit.

2. Be Present with Your Kids

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush, but one of the best gifts you can give your children is your time.

The decorations, food, and gifts are fun, but what they’ll remember most is the time they spent with you.

You don’t have to plan big outings or elaborate crafts.

Some of the sweetest memories are made in the simple things—like watching a Christmas movie together, reading a holiday book, or decorating cookies.

Be intentional about being present, even if it's just for a few minutes of uninterrupted time each day.

Put the phone down, look your kids in the eyes, and really enjoy their excitement and joy.

3. Let Go of Perfection

Let’s face it: nothing about motherhood is perfect, and that doesn’t magically change during the holidays.

Maybe the tree looks a little wonky, or the kids make a mess while decorating cookies. That’s okay!

Perfection isn’t what makes the holidays special—it's the little moments of togetherness.

Let go of the pressure to make everything flawless and focus on creating a joyful atmosphere instead.

The imperfect moments are often the most memorable ones.

So, if the wrapping paper isn’t Instagram-worthy, or dinner isn’t gourmet, it’s not a big deal.

Your kids won’t remember those things.

They’ll remember how you made them feel and the fun they had with you.

4. Set Boundaries

The holidays can bring a lot of extra demands, and it's okay to say “no” to things that don’t serve your family.

Whether it's skipping a family event that’s too stressful or limiting how many holiday activities you participate in, setting boundaries will help protect your peace.

If visiting certain relatives makes the holidays stressful, consider shortening the visit or skipping it altogether. Or, if you know that traveling with small kids will lead to meltdowns, plan a low-key holiday at home this year.

You don’t have to do everything or please everyone.

Set boundaries that work for your family and allow you to actually enjoy the season.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

It’s easy to pour all your energy into making the holidays magical for everyone else, but don’t forget about yourself.

You deserve to enjoy the season too, and that means taking care of your own needs.

Even if it’s just taking a few minutes to yourself with a cup of coffee or sneaking in a quick walk, prioritize small acts of self-care.

When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for your family.

And remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to lean on your partner, family members, or friends for support.

Little girl hugging a teddy bear at Christmas

6. Embrace the Magic of "Good Enough"

As moms, we often feel like we have to make the holidays perfect.

But “good enough” is really all our kids need. They won’t remember every detail being just right, but they will remember how they felt during this time.

Embrace the idea that “good enough” is more than enough.

The magic of the holidays isn’t in perfection—it’s in the joy, laughter, and togetherness.

7. Keep Your Traditions Meaningful but Manageable

Traditions are an important part of the holiday season, but you don’t need a long list of them to create special memories.

Instead, focus on a few meaningful ones that your family truly loves.

Maybe it’s watching the same holiday movie every year, making a special breakfast, or going on a walk to see the Christmas lights.

Whatever it is, keep it manageable and something your family looks forward to.

Don’t feel like you have to add new traditions each year just because someone else is doing it.

What’s important is that the traditions you choose bring joy to your family.

8. Let Your Kids Help

The holidays are the perfect time to let your kids get involved, even if it means things take a little longer or get a little messier.

Let them help decorate, bake, or wrap gifts. They’ll love being part of the process, and it will take some of the pressure off you.

Giving your kids small tasks helps them feel included and creates memories for them too.

Plus, when they’re involved, they get to experience the joy of giving, which is one of the best parts of the season.

9. Practice Gratitude

In the hustle of the holidays, it’s easy to forget how blessed we really are.

Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, and encourage your kids to do the same.

Gratitude can shift your focus from the stress of the season to the joy of what you already have.

You’ll find yourself more relaxed and able to enjoy the little moments that make the holidays so special.

10. Give Yourself Grace

Last but not least, give yourself grace.

You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Motherhood is hard, especially during the holidays, but you don’t have to be perfect.

Take a deep breath, enjoy the small moments, and know that you’re enough just as you are.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed—not just survived.

So, give yourself permission to slow down and soak up the joy of the season.

With love and solidarity,

10 Easy Ways to Enjoy Motherhood During the Holidays