Gearing up for the holidays-Part 1

I am a mom of 5 and a Honey of many, and that is one of my greatest accomplishments. However, as a middle class mom I was very anxious around the holidays. My husband and I worked very hard to give our kids a balanced life, but I always felt it wasn’t enough during the holidays. Of course they received everything they asked for and more, but I felt I should’ve been doing more. As they grew it became clearer that giving them everything was not what they needed. They needed time with us as a family and I can see how it balanced them into their young adult lives now.

I’m blessed that we were able to provide that lifestyle. As I look forward to the holidays, I want to preface that giving your kids everything on this one day is not the flex. Although, I provided all of what they needed such as communication, giving back to those in need, sharing at family meetings and being present at their activities, it was the “gearing up for the holidays” I spent many weeks a nervous wreck. I wondered if I forgot something or someone. What I should’ve been thinking about was their mental health ok, have I instilled confident strong individuals, and was I truly raising strong stable minded individuals?

As the holidays approach us, I hope your family is having good wholesome meetings where your kids can express their feelings, understand the importance of having enough, and understand that the holidays are more about having family present than gifts. We give back to people all year round so they’re definitely rooted in helping their communities. My task for you as a mom is to:

Mindset & Expectations

• Manage expectations: Let go of the “perfect holiday” ideal; focus on realistic goals and spread activities out to reduce pressure.
• Acknowledge feelings: It’s okay to feel sad, lonely, or stressed; don’t feel pressured to be happy all the time, especially if grieving.
• Be present: Focus on gratitude and simple joys, rather than dwelling on past losses or idealizing the past. 

Self-Care & Routine

• Prioritize physical health: Stick to sleep schedules, eat nutritious meals, and exercise (even a short walk helps).
• Schedule “me time”: Take breaks for hobbies, reading, or just quiet rest to recharge.
• Practice mindfulness: Use deep breathing, meditation, or grounding techniques to calm your body and mind. 

As always, “Never negate the Nu-N-U”