Glow & Grow

The calendar flips to December, and suddenly, it feels like the world is speeding up. Work deadlines loom, holiday parties pile onto the schedule, and the to-do list grows with every passing day. If you’re anything like me, the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday—while staying on top of everything else—can feel overwhelming. But over the years, I’ve learned something life-changing: the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Let’s dive into a few strategies that have helped me stay sane during the busiest season of the year.

1. Prioritize What Truly Matters

The holiday season often comes with an unspoken pressure to do it all—host elaborate dinners, buy Pinterest-worthy gifts, and attend every event. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to. One December, I found myself staying up until 2 AM making handmade ornaments for family members. They were cute, sure, but you know what everyone actually appreciated? A heartfelt note I included in their holiday cards.

Now, I start the season by asking myself: What matters most to my family and me? For us, it’s the cozy moments—watching movies in matching pajamas, baking cookies with my son, and sipping hot cocoa while we admire the twinkling lights. By focusing on these, I let go of the less important things, and the season feels much more manageable.

2. Embrace the Power of Lists

If you’re juggling work, family, and holiday prep, lists are your best friend. I break mine into categories:

• Gifts: Who are you buying for? What’s your budget?
• Events: Which ones will you attend? (It’s okay to say no to some!)
• Meals: Which recipes are simple and crowd-pleasing?

I use apps like Todoist or even a handwritten notebook to keep everything organized. Crossing items off the list gives me a small but satisfying sense of accomplishment.

3. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

Letting go of control was hard for me at first. I wanted everything done my way. But trying to handle every detail myself led to burnout—and no one benefits from a stressed-out mom. Now, I delegate. My husband handles most of the gift shopping, and my son is in charge of “helping” decorate the tree. (Pro tip: a strategically timed snack break allows you to adjust ornaments later.)

4. Plan “Buffer Days”

This one’s a game-changer: block out a couple of days in December where nothing is scheduled. No errands, no work calls, no events. These “buffer days” give us a chance to catch our breath, catch up on anything we’ve fallen behind on, or just enjoy a quiet moment with the family.

5. Let Go of Perfection

This might be the hardest lesson to learn, but it’s the most freeing. One year, our cookies were misshapen, the tree leaned slightly to the left, and I forgot to send holiday cards altogether. And you know what? It was still one of our happiest holidays. The laughter, love, and connection mattered so much more than the aesthetics.

As moms, we often feel like the weight of the season rests on our shoulders. But by simplifying and focusing on what truly matters, we can create a holiday filled with joy—for our families and for ourselves.