As the holiday season approaches, mothers gear up for the joyful chaos that ensues in creating magical moments for their families. This can come with a number of worries including feeling overwhelmed to create the perfect holiday memories with matching PJs and candy cane hot chocolate, having every item wrapped in the most prestine paper for esthetically pleasing photos, to navigating through family dynamics at Christmas dinner. Being all too familiar with the stressors of the season, let's unwrap a personalized guide for mums – a toolkit to not just survive but thrive during this bustling time of the year.
Mindful Moments
It wouldn't be a blog article if I didn't mention the importance of mindfulness. Amidst the whirlwind of holiday planning, it's crucial for mums to snag moments for mindfulness. Picture stolen minutes for meditation, a sip of serenity in the form of tea, or a simple deep breath – these moments are the secret to staying calm and collected in the midst of festive frenzy. Consider creating a cozy corner in your home that you can slip out to whenever you need a moment of solitude to recharge amongst the joyful chaos.
Setting Boundaries
The holidays often come with a multitude of invitations to family festivities, workplace gift exchanges, and friend holiday parties. While the holidays are a time to connect, gather and share stories and memories, you don't need to feel obligated to participate in every event that has been extended to you. Say YES! to the things that excite you and bring you joy, and "No thanks!" to the ones that leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed and struggling to figure out how to decline. This season takes a lot out of us, save your energy for the events that bring you joy and help you feel aligned with your own values.
Remember, You are Enough
Comercialism is at it's finest this time of year and with the newer influences of social media, it can be difficult not to get sucked into feeling like you need the perfectly esthetic tree, overflowing with gifts for your family, matching outfits, an array of baked goods, and a magazine worthy festive spread. Holidays are about connection and gratitude, and mums are often the maestros orchaestrating it all. Your children will remember the way you snuggled in for a Christmas movie after dinner; not the way the tree looked in photos. They'll go to bed with full tummy's rather than being concerned about whether the table was set just right. Their memories will be filled with moments you spent as a family which they will remember long after they forget what was underneath the bows and wrapping. You ARE enough. You are more than enough. If you like to go big in the holidays, that's amazing! If you prefer something small and quiet, that is just as memorable. You do you this holiday season and let go of the pressure to live up to anyone elses standards but your own.
As we encroach on the first of the month, here's to a Mother's Wellness Wonderland! Remember what the holidays mean to you; what brings you joy during this season and infuse each activity you do with intention and meaning. May your holidays, and all the prep that comes with it, be filled with warmth, gratitude, and a flourishing sense of well-being and love.
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