It’s not an official count, but my family asks me somewhere between a gazillion and bazillion questions a day. Queries that sound like, “Have you seen my favorite sock?” or “Do you know where that thing went?” keep my brain buzzing. And that’s just on a typical day. When the holidays hit, those questions, and the tasks that accompany the answers, build to a dizzying speed. I think about finding my own chimney to hide in so I can catch a little break. But we don’t have a fireplace, so maybe there’s another way for me to escape and experience a little downtime?
During the holiday season, all my normal mom responsibilities increase exponentially. On top of the usual questions and activities, suddenly there’s more — and they’re holiday themed. While I’m happy to belt out Jingle Bells with the rest of ‘em, I’m not always jolly after keeping track of holiday school functions, 12 days of social obligations with ugly-themed gifts, and all the holiday menus. I make the holidays happen — from organizing to planning everyone's outfits. It doesn’t take too long for my mom brain to get overloaded.
Since the holidays are a time of giving, I try to focus on my family and give them all they need. Eventually, I become overwhelmed. I begin to lose my connection to myself and my patience grows thin. When my kid asks, “Mom, do you want to do a holiday puzzle with me,” and all I want to do is hide in the bathroom, I know I need a time-out.
“I’m going for a walk,” I tell my husband. I need time to recharge — even if my hands go numb.
It’s taken a couple of holiday seasons to figure out a plan that allows me some time alone, but a walk outside does the trick. Putting on my winter coat, I look like a combination of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man and Ralphie’s little brother from A Christmas Story, even though I can put my arms down. I’m not a fan of the cold, but I’ll take it.
Taking a wintertime walk around the block gives me a much-needed boost of energy. It lets me reconnect to that quiet place within myself, and all that stress I was carrying melts away with each step. During the holiday season, I need my small moments of quiet to help me balance all the energetic hustle and bustle. My alone time keeps me connected to myself, which keeps me connected with my family. So, when I come back inside and my kid asks, “Mom, are you ready to start our puzzle?” I can respond with a yes. I truly mean it, and I’m ready to enjoy every minute of our holiday time together.
