Holiday Happiness for Moms: Prioritize What Matters, Skip What Doesn’t
The holidays are meant to be merry and bright, but if you're a mom, they can often feel like a whirlwind of stress and overwhelm—with endless expectations, packed calendars, and energetic kids. This year, let's flip the script. Instead of stressing, let's bring back sanity! Introducing the "Keep, Modify, or Skip" method: a holiday plan tailored to help you focus on what truly brings joy to you and your family—and gives you permission to let go of the rest.
Imagine a holiday season where you savor the traditions you love, make life a bit simpler, and feel empowered to skip the things that don't bring you joy. Cheers to a holiday that's filled with happiness and peace!
*Note: I do mention Christmas traditions, but these ideas can also be adapted to New Years, or another holiday around the festive season 😊
1. Keep It If It Sparks Joy
Take some time to think about the traditions that genuinely bring you happiness. Maybe it’s baking cookies with the kids, decorating the tree together, or wrapping gifts while watching Christmas movies. If it makes you feel warm, fuzzy, and happy to repeat, it’s a “keep.” And hey, bonus points if it’s low-maintenance—some traditions practically host themselves (shoutout to pajama hot cocoa nights!).
Ideas to Try: Write out your top 3 "must-have" traditions and make them easy. What brings a smile, or you couldn’t imagine the holidays without. For example, I couldn’t imagine decorating for Christmas without Christmas music. Very simple, and it makes the experience more joyful!
We have hidden the pickle in the tree for years and it’s a fun family tradition we learned from a German foreign exchange student
2. Modify It to Make Life Easier
Who says holiday traditions can’t have an easy-mode option? You don’t need to reinvent Christmas to make it less stressful. If baking cookies from scratch has you up to your elbows in flour (and a stressful mess), switch to something that you love – like driving around and looking at lights. No mess, but still beautiful. And for those gift-wrapping marathons? Set up a DIY station so kids can “help” (meaning, use all the tape) while you tackle the real wrapping.
Ideas to Try: If family photos are your thing, skip the perfectly planned shoot and go for candid shots in front of the tree—who doesn’t love seeing kids in mismatched PJs? One of my favorite family photos to date is a candid family pic. Or simplify meals by making potlucks or one-dish dinners the new “fancy.” Also think about who in the family could help, or how things could be tweaked to even be a little less stressful.
Instead of cooking big meals or treats I get excited about arts and crafts such as sewing for the holidays
3. Skip It Without Guilt
Ready for the holiday season’s best-kept secret? You don’t have to do it all, so DON’T. If there’s a tradition that doesn’t feel like a "fit" anymore, give yourself permission to skip it—guilt-free. Yes, I know this is a foreign concept for most moms. Sure, your mom might have made five kinds of pie, but if you’re satisfied with one (or picking one up from the bakery), go for it! Your skills and talents could be used for something else you are better at, and really love to do.
Ideas to Try: For a truly liberated holiday, skip any labor-intensive activities and do a “minimalist holiday” theme. Or give yourself permission to skip the big family photo shoot and do like my cousin and send New Year’s cards instead. Less rush, more time! Think about if you “let go” of what you felt obligated to do, or what has always been done. How would you use that time instead?
We can integrate activities the kids enjoy even when it’s not at home
Wrap-Up: A Holiday Season You Can Actually Enjoy
So, what is the main goal here? To create a holiday that’s fun, meaningful, and doesn’t leave you desperately drained (both physically and mentally). By sticking to what you love, simplifying the rest, and letting go of what doesn’t serve you, you’re on track for a season filled with meaningful memories. And who knows? You may find that by New Year’s, you’ve actually spent quality time with family and enjoyed a holiday that felt JUST RIGHT (you go Goldilocks!).
Ideas to Try: Close out the season by asking yourself what you would like to carry into the holidays next year. What helped you feel less stress, and reflect on the best parts of the season? Hopefully you found several fond memories you can look back on.
Want more practical ways to simplify life during the holidays and beyond?
My Mindful Goals Masterclass for Busy Moms helps moms like you take control, prioritize what matters, and leave the stress behind—so you can actually enjoy the season! Learn more here!
Enjoy the journey…until next time!
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