Holiday Stress Relief For Parents: To My Fellow Magic Makers
- Neha Bajaj
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Lately, my Instagram feed has been filled with memes illustrating the exhaustion that many parents feel during the holiday season. It’s true that as moms, we often carry a heavier mental load this time of year, and finding balance during the holidays can be challenging. We juggle everything from planning holiday gatherings and staying on top of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to decorating the tree, baking holiday cookies (gingerbread men are my favorite), and ensuring our elf finds a new landing spot each morning after his overnight trip to the North Pole.
“The days are long, but the years are short” is an ever present thought in my mind, especially during the holidays. Yes, I want to slow down, and also I realize I have only so many holiday seasons left with both kids at home. These are the moments they will remember when they look back on their childhood holidays. As a fellow creator of holiday magic, I cherish the surprised squeals when my kids discover our elf’s new spot for the day. I relish the smiles on Christmas morning when they open a gift they’ve been hoping for, or one that I told them to put on their Christmas list seven months ago.
As with most things, I have learned as a parent, balance is key for holiday stress relief.
Focus on (Your) Joy: Engage in the activities that bring you joy and fully embrace those moments. Notice your happiness and take it in. Appreciate the privilege of being the magic maker.
Delegate Tasks: Remember, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. If you are hosting a dinner, think about what can be delegated to others in advance. Take those things off your list, and hand them over.
Involve Your Kids: They are the magic makers in training! With many holiday drives reminding us to think of others during this time, I like to give my kids the task of picking out a toy for donation or I bring them along when I go grocery shopping to help gather food donations.
Slow Down and Release the Pressure: This post is your permission slip to skip holiday cards and have a lazy elf (or no elf!). Let go of things that don’t bring you joy or perhaps you just can’t get to this year. Instead, intentionally block out time to relax. Enjoy a holiday movie night or drive around town to admire the neighbors' light displays.
Magic-making is hard work. Embrace the holiday season in the ways that feel special and manageable for you! Holiday Stress Relief can be part of the magic making for parents.
If you are looking for extra support this holiday season, Helping Hands Psychotherapy is offering a series of FREE holiday workshops on topics including coping with grief, boundary setting and holiday parenting pitfalls. Also, check out our website for groups forming in the new year including support for new moms, working moms, fathers, solo parents and special needs parents.
Are you a provider looking to expand your skillset?