As moms, we tend to try to make everything perfect. We want our kids to have great memories, and we want everything to go according to our carefully thought-out plans. The holiday seaosn has notoriously high expectations for us. There’s a reason that some people find this time of year super stressful. We put so much pressure on ourselves, we have so much to do and so many places to be. This year, I’m going to do my best to let go of certain things in an attempt to enjoy the truly great things about this time of year.
Like…
1. Having unrealistic expectations of my kids’ reactions to their presents
This one is huge for me. I take a lot of care in picking out my kids’ gifts. I want so badly for them to love them, and often, the things I think they should appreciate, they just don’t. I was already disappointed with my son’s rejection of a St. Nick gift, so I’m going to not worry so much if they don’t love all their presents. They probably won’t. Kids are fickle. And that’s ok.
2. Trying to find the perfect present for everyone
Shopping for just the perfect present was always something that I focused on during the holiday season. The problem with this goal is that it isn’t possible. You aren’t going to be able to please everyone, so I’m working on letting go of that expectation.
3. Expecting everything to be perfect
We go into the holidays carefully planning. We have a picture in our minds of how things are going to go, and they often turn out differently. This isn’t to say that that’s bad. I would like a Christmas morning without my kids fighting, but let’s be real, they probably will. Opening presents won’t be relaxing or magical. It will probably be chaotic, so this year, I’m just going to lean into the chaos — and maybe start an impromptu Christmas dance party.
4. Disappointment over not seeing certain relatives
After the last couple of years we’ve had, not getting to see everyone for the holidays has become the norm. It’s unfortunate, but that’s just how things have gone. My relatives that live further away aren’t coming again this year, but I have already accepted it. I’m still disappointed but working on being understanding.
5. Guilt over eating too many sweets
I haven’t lost the baby weight from my son, so I’ve been trying to eat better. This time of year, though, I’m going to give myself a break. I don’t want to overdo it, but I will enjoy his birthday cake and baking cookies with my kids. I’m not going to sacrifice traditions to keep myself away from sugar. I’m going to enjoy some of the treats just because.
6. The stress over arriving late
I used to stress about going places and making sure that it wouldn’t mess up my kids’ schedules. If I’m waiting for my kids to get up from their naps before leaving, that’s okay if it makes us late. It’s much better for them to be rested than to arrive on time.
7. Working too much
I am a self-proclaimed workaholic. I have a hard time turning down work, but this time of year, I’m going to work hard to get things done early and not schedule a lot around Christmas. I deserve to take a break and do more things with my kids. I need to remember my priorities.
8. Feeling bad about not attending all of the activities
Along with trying not to stress out about going places, I’m going to let go of feeling bad when I need to cancel. Kids are unpredictable, and if our holiday plans need to change, they need to change. I’m not going to feel bad about it.
Instead, I’m going to focus more on enjoying the time with family, taking time to relax, and making as many snowmen with my kids as possible. I want to delight in the magic they see and remember what’s important about this season. It doesn’t have to be as stressful as we often make it. Taking a step back, taking a breath, and realizing what’s important are the things I’m going to worry about this year.
