Whether or not you are ready for it, the holiday season is upon us. You may feel some extra stress about the holidays if you are a mom. Schedules become packed, to-do lists triple, finances become a giant mess, sleep doesn’t happen, and nutrition is forgotten. Happy holidays! Is Holiday Mom Stress real? How do we handle all of this? Let me give you a few truths about Holiday Mom Stress that may help ease your anxiety.

1. Holiday Mom Stress is REAL

Please don’t let anyone make you think that having extra stress around the holidays as a mom is either your fault or all in your head. Neither of these things are true. The truth is that we do have extra expectations put on us during the holidays because we are moms. 

Holiday Mom Stress being real does not make it fair or easy, but there are some things you can do to take control of your holiday season. Make a list of the Holiday Mom Stress areas you are most anxious about. Make plans for each of these areas now so you have the plans ready the whole holiday season!

2. Chaos is Inevitable

Having a little extra chaos around the holidays is going to happen every year, so we as moms can either change our perspective or change our situation. Read more about each option and when chaos or stream hit, be prepared to take one of the following actions:

Change your perspective

When holiday chaos hits, it might be time to change your point of view. Try to redirect your focus. Begin finding joy in small or messy things. I read a quote somewhere that said “Instead of complaining that the rose bush is full of thorns, be happy the thorn bush has roses”. I can usually apply that thought process to even the most stressful things.

Change your situation

Momma, let me tell you something: if you don’t like something the way it is, that is OK! Let me tell you again: it is OK to not like something the way it is. Did it sink in that time? If not, go back and read that statement again and again until you feel it in your heart. 

Now that you have accepted that it is OK to not like something the way it is, you can begin a plan to change it. Depending on your circumstances. This may be a short quick action or it may be a long drawn out plan. YOU have the power to make changes in your life. You are smart enough, you have enough strength, and you are worth it. Oh, Momma, you are so important. I hope you know that.

3. You Should Enjoy The Holidays

Even with the extra expectations put on us moms during the holidays, we should still enjoy the season. Yes, we are moms and maybe wives, daughters, friends, sisters, etc. But we are still unique human beings. We are beautiful women and we have unique interests and hobbies and traditions. You may enjoy baking Christmas cookies or decorating the Christmas tree with your family. Perhaps it’s important to you for your family to go to church together on Christmas or it’s important to go shop for ALL the Christmas presents for your friends and family. Whatever it is that you truly enjoy, make it happen this holiday season. Make it a priority because you should enjoy the holidays.

4. You Need A Mom Tribe

Let’s all accept that it truly does “take a tribe” when raising kids. A mom tribe. I promise you, momma, whatever you are dealing with, there is another momma out there who has dealt with the same thing. We are all on the same team and you are not alone. Sometimes a mom tribe can keep you on track with your goals and personal guidelines. Other times that tribe is there simply to remind you that you are doing a good job. If you are looking for an online Mom Tribe to join, I would like to invite you to join the Mom Fuel Online Bible Study Group

5. You Are Not Alone

Lastly, I would like to tell you that you do not have to do any of this alone. Whether your holiday season is full of joy or you are in a slump (or if you’re like me…both), you are not alone. The pandemic has made things a little different this year. Surround yourself with people who share the same values and passions. Spend time with people you love (safely and stuff) and enjoy your time with those people. 

Find a mom group online. Sure, social media can be a bit scary these days, but we moms are probably used to using discernment in life. Despite the dangers of social media reliance, social media can also be used for positive things, especially in this pro-virtual season. Enjoy the positive benefits of social media these days while practicing the good old “scroll and roll” with the frustrating stuff. 

If you are trying to move away from social media, check with your church about small groups that meet in your area. Be encouraged to get involved in a small group study offered by your church or another local church in the area. Your pastor will probably be able to help you find a group to study with. Most of the pastors I know get SUPER EXCITED when their people want to know how to study Jesus more.

For more Bible Study blog posts for moms, check out the most recent Mom Fuel posts!