The kids are getting out of school for the holidays, and we all have big expectations for a magical holiday season—twinkling lights, cozy family traditions, and the smell of cookies baking in the oven. But let’s be real, moms: it’s also exhausting. Between shopping, decorating, and keeping the kids entertained, it can feel like you’re running on empty before the turkey even hits the table. This year, let’s focus on creating memories, not meltdowns. Here are some practical tips to help you reclaim the joy of the holidays without losing your sanity.

1. Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible

The secret to a smoother holiday season is planning. Create a calendar with key dates: school events, holiday parties, and gift exchanges. But leave some wiggle room! Flexibility allows you to adapt when (not if) things don’t go perfectly.

Pro Tip: Keep a “Plan B” for activities. If weather cancels your outdoor ice-skating trip, have a holiday movie night ready to go with popcorn and hot cocoa. Tell the kids loose plans so they don’t get TOO excited if something happens to fall through.

2. Streamline Gift-Giving

Gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank—or your back. Consider these ideas to simplify the process:

• Adopt the Four-Gift Rule: Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.

• Batch Shop: Pick one or two days to knock out all your shopping (in-store or online).

• DIY Gifts: Handcrafted presents like cookie mixes in jars or personalized photo albums can be meaningful and budget-friendly.

• Make a spreadsheet: with all the people you need to shop for, their gift, and WHERE YOU HID IT.

Pro Tip: Keep a stash of small, generic gifts (like candles or chocolates) for unexpected guests.

3. Delegate and Ask for Help

Moms often feel like they have to do it all, but the holidays are a team effort. Let your kids help decorate cookies, assign your partner the task of hanging lights, and enlist grandparents to wrap gifts. Sharing the workload not only lightens your load but also creates opportunities for bonding.

Pro Tip: Outsource- There are several places that will wrap presents for you if you buy it there. But, there are also groups that gift wrap to fundraise. So- seek out those groups in your city.

4. Focus on Experiences Over Perfection

Your kids won’t remember if the ornaments were perfectly placed or if dinner was Instagram-worthy. They’ll remember singing carols, decorating cookies, and the time you all laughed so hard you cried over a board game.

Pro Tip: Start a low-effort family tradition, like driving around to look at holiday lights or having a pajama day where everyone makes pancakes together and sips on hot chocolate. One year we went caroling at the Ronald McDonald house and everyone really enjoyed it!

We have also dressed up in matching jammies and just walked around the neighborhood looking at christmas lights! These Jammies are adorable!

5. Simplify Holiday Meals

Holiday feasts are wonderful, but they don’t need to be elaborate. Focus on a few key dishes and don’t hesitate to use shortcuts (hello, store-bought pie crust!). Potluck-style meals can also take the pressure off.

Pro Tip: Prep ahead when possible. Side dishes like casseroles can be made and frozen weeks in advance. These cute containers can go straight in the oven and look adorable in your fridge.

See our full list of holiday meal must-haves here.

6. Practice Self-Care

This season isn’t just for giving to others—you need to recharge too. Make time for activities that help you relax, whether that’s a long bath, a good book, or a solo walk to admire the decorations.

Pro Tip: Schedule your self-care. Treat it like any other holiday obligation, because it’s just as important.

See my list of self-care essentials.

7. Set Realistic Expectations

The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay if the kids’ gingerbread house collapses or the cat knocks over the tree (again). Lean into the imperfections; they often make the best memories.

Pro Tip: Take a moment at the end of each day to reflect on one thing that went well. Gratitude shifts your focus from stress to joy.

8. Give Yourself Grace

There’s no such thing as a perfect holiday, and that’s okay. You’re doing enough, and your family loves you for it. Let go of the pressure to keep up with social media-worthy celebrations and focus on what truly matters: love, laughter, and togetherness.

This holiday season, let’s make a pact to prioritize joy over perfection. Because, at the end of the day, the best gift you can give your family is a happy, present version of yourself. You’ve got this, Mama. Cheers to making this holiday season your most joyful yet!