Being Your Kind of Mom During the Holidays
The holiday season is here! For many of us moms, it’s a time filled with excitement, joy, and those picture-perfect moments we dream about all year. But let’s be real: it’s also a time of endless to-do lists, financial stress, and the ever-present mom guilt.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough during the holidays, you’re not alone. Today, I want to share my personal story about embracing my kind of holiday magic, letting go of guilt, and focusing on what truly matters.
When Holiday Expectations Don’t Match Reality
I love the holiday season so much. The lights, the music, the cozy traditions with my kids—it’s the stuff dreams are made of. But let me be honest: money is tight, and I can’t afford to buy my kids everything on their wish list. Most of the time, my mom is the one who swoops in to make Christmas magical for my kids. She’s the one who buys the Santa gifts and ensures my little ones wake up to a Christmas morning filled with surprises.
While I’m so grateful for her generosity, I’ll admit—sometimes I feel guilty. I wish I could do more, give more, and create all the magic myself. But then I remind myself: it’s not about how much I spend. My kids aren’t keeping track of who bought what. They’re cherishing the love and joy we share as a family.
Letting Go of Mom Guilt
Mom guilt hits harder during the holidays, doesn’t it? Social media doesn’t help either. You see those perfect photos of matching pajamas, elaborately decorated cookies, and beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. Meanwhile, I’m over here hoping my kids don’t notice the uneven tree lights or the fact that we’re reusing gift bags from last year.
But here’s the truth: our kids don’t need perfect. They need us. They need the mom who laughs with them during movie marathons, who helps them bake cookies (even if they’re burnt), and who’s fully present, even in the chaos.
When I start to feel the guilt creeping in, I remind myself that my love and presence matter more than any material thing. And that’s enough.
Finding Joy in Imperfection
The holidays in my house are loud, messy, and… imperfect. My toddler is often running around half-dressed while my older kids are squabbling over which movie to watch. The cookies might not win any baking contests, and the tree isn’t straight. But you know what? It’s ours. It’s our chaos, our laughter, and our love.
Some years, I skip certain traditions altogether. Maybe we don’t get around to making gingerbread houses or putting up outdoor lights. And guess what? Christmas still comes, and my kids still have an amazing time. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to do everything and focus on the traditions that truly bring us joy.
The Magic of Family Support
One of the biggest blessings in my life is my mom. She’s been the backbone of our family during the holidays, stepping in to make sure the kids experience the magic of Christmas. Watching her love on my kids reminds me that it’s okay to lean on family when you need to.
For any moms out there feeling like they have to do it all—you don’t. Whether it’s your parents, your partner, or your friends, lean into the support you have. It takes a village, especially during the holidays.
Creating Your Kind of Holiday Magic
At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about being perfect. They’re about connection. For me, that connection comes from simple things:
Baking cookies with my kids, even if the kitchen ends up looking like a flour bomb exploded.
Cozying up on the couch for movie marathons.
Laughing at the chaos instead of stressing over it.
Your kind of holiday magic might look different from mine, and that’s okay. Whether you’re a Pinterest-perfect mom or a last-minute-shopper mom, you’re creating something special just by showing up with love.
Let’s Embrace Imperfection Together
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or guilty this holiday season, know this: you’re not alone. Your kids don’t need expensive gifts or flawless traditions. They need you. The laughter, the love, and the memories you’re creating are what matter most.
This year, I’m embracing the perfectly imperfect holiday season. And I hope you do, too.
Let me know in the comments: How do you celebrate the holidays in your own way? Do you have any favorite traditions or moments that bring your family joy? I’d love to hear your stories.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and just enough chaos to keep it interesting. You’re doing amazing, mama. ❤️
