September comes with the promise of pumpkin-spice-everything, cozy, cool weather, and warm sweaters. The change in seasons also means the holiday season is on the way. Each year it seems like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas arrive earlier and earlier—and so does the spending and preparation.
When I was a kid, the holidays were filled with my mom’s good food and all the presents I asked for (thanks Santa!). It wasn’t until I was older that I saw the tremendous amount of planning and effort that goes into making those special moments with your family.
Can’t bear the thought of another thankless, exhausting holiday season leaving you totally burnt out?
Here are 5 ways to avoid holiday burnout:
1. Set Realistic Expectations
You need to be real with yourself. Did you know the average American mom is juggling a full-time job and a full household at the same time. If this sounds like you, here’s your friendly reminder that it’s okay to not be Betty Crocker personified. Just because your grandma made a full Thanksgiving spread every year, or your mom made her own pie crust from scratch, doesn’t mean you have to. Adjust your expectations to your personal reality.
2. Tell Your Family About Your Needs
Don’t sit and stew with your frustration, mama. Healthy communication is vital to maintain peace of mind and a good relationship with yourself and your family. Make time to sit down and have a heart-to-heart with your partner, kids, and friends about what’s stressing you out. Because if you don’t, unfortunately, they will often assume that things are perfectly fine the way they are unless you speak up. So, get it off your chest and allow your loved ones to love on you.
Related post: Hacks for Dealing with Frustration as a Mom
3. Delegate
A lot of old family traditions place the majority of holiday-related responsibilities on the shoulders of the women of the household. But in this day and age, it’s time for everyone to pull their weight. If you’re going to buy the presents, let your partner wrap them. If you’re going to cook the meal, let your kids do the dishes or set the table, or a cousin do the meal prep. If everyone pitches in, everything gets done faster and easier.
4. Set Boundaries
Once you talk to your family and delegate work, make sure you set and stick to your boundaries. This is the best way to ensure mutual respect. Let everyone know that there are lines drawn in the sand and nobody should risk crossing them! Sometimes when people realize you’ll pick up their slack with zero repercussions, they’ll do it again and again. And that’s not fair to you, mama! So stay firm in your healthy boundaries.
5. Reserve time for Self-Care & Peace
Don’t forget that it’s your holiday, too! Make the space to take a break or go on vacation because holiday burnout happens when you get no rest. Intentionally schedule at least one hour a day to treat yourself. Need to get your nails done? Go for it! Want to chat with your therapist? Now is the time! Simply want to enjoy a quiet afternoon alone with a good book or nap? Do what you need to recharge, mama.
Take Care of Yourself First!
When you feel your best, you give your best. The holidays are about coming together as a family and enjoying each other—but if you are feeling the burn, it’s hard to get into the holiday spirit. Take the time to pour back into yourself, mama! Let us know in the comments: What’s your favorite way to avoid holiday burnout?
Guest Blogger
Cynthia Kinyera is a freelance writer specialising in women’s wellness. She uses her easy-flowing prose and digital marketing skills to craft engaging high-converting content. Find out more about her work at cynthiawrites.com.