The holidays are around the corner! Like every year, I'm filled with excitement and stress on creating holiday magic for my three little girls.
Decorating the house, shopping for the perfect gifts, baking cookies, making gingerbread houses, meeting Santa, looking at Christmas lights, attending The Nutcracker, watching Christmas movies, listening to holiday music, cooking Christmas meals...whew, the list goes on.
By no means, should any mom feel like she has to do it all. I'm a victim of trying to do too much because I LOVE Christmas. I have such fond memories as a child and it brings me genuine joy recreating it for my girls.
Thankfully, my girls (ages 6, 4, and 2) are so little it doesn't take much for them to be excited. Their favorite gift last year? Lip Smackers and a Caboodle! One thing I've learned over time is not to stress about giving my girls a "big present" if the timing doesn't warrant it. Some years, it's time for a new bike. Other years, scented glittery chapstick is the fan favorite.
That said, let's not forget that our peace as mothers matters more than the noise of the holiday season. Especially for new moms who are in the thick of newborn and baby season. There were plenty of holiday seasons when I was so sleep deprived with my littles I could barely function. The tree was left half decorated, we never baked the cookies I bought ingredients for, and the stockings were half filled because I ran out of gift ideas.
At the time, I felt so guilty. But looking back? My girls have no memory other than a joy-filled Christmas. I wish I wasn't so hard on myself. If you are in the thick of it, this a reminder to be kind to yourself. Motherhood is filled with seasons and this too shall pass.
Another way to be kind to yourself? Treat yourself to that gift you've been eyeing. Maybe it's new jeans that fit, a special piece of jewelry, or maybe a nursing bra that makes you feel like a million bucks. Just saying. ;)
From my home to yours, happy holidays!
Xx,
Sarah
