The Holidays Are Here! 6 Self-Care Ideas for Moms

The holidays can be a very tough and stressful time, especially for moms. You will naturally try to ensure everyone else has a magical time, which can leave you exhausted and depleted. 

Here are six self-care ideas that will lift your mood and make the holidays a bit more enjoyable. 

1. Spend Time Alone 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to spend a bit of time alone. You don’t even need to do anything special with that time. You don’t need to take yourself out on a coffee date or take a bath. You can just enjoy the silence. 

Granted, it can be quite difficult to arrange some quiet time during the holidays. Talk to your family members and set up a schedule that works for everyone. Explain to the kids why it’s important not to disturb mommy if they are at home while you’re enjoying some me-time. 

Make sure to give the same time to your significant other, too. 

2. Treat Yourself to a Pamper

If you’re up for it, you can always use your me-time to enjoy some beauty-related self-care. You can get yourself an appointment and get your hair done, get a manicure, or get a massage. 

If you don’t want to spend the money or if you prefer to pamper yourself at home, you can set up a spa in your bathroom. Look for the latest beauty deals and find products you’ve always wanted to try. Or break out the products you’ve been saving for a special occasion. 

A pamper does not have to include any beauty products, of course. You can also enjoy a good book or a great meal. 

3. Make Yourself a New Playlist 

The music you listen to can directly impact your mood. When you put on a Christmas playlist, you will usually start to feel a bit more festive. When you put on your favorite dance tunes from your teenage days, you’ll feel both nostalgic and uplifted. 

In order to make the holiday season more enjoyable for yourself, make yourself a new playlist. It can be something you can dance to, but it can also be a sobfest: whatever matches your mood and needs. 

Put it on when you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed and have a little jig. It will help you get through the day. 

4. Delegate an Annoying Task 

A great way to take care of yourself during the festive season is to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything on your own, even though you may believe you do. Your family is there to help and support you. 

Try delegating something that you find really difficult or annoying, no matter how mundane it may be. For example, if you hate wrapping presents, ask someone else to do it. If you find writing Christmas cards tedious, delegate. 

5. Buy Yourself an Advent Calendar 

In order to spice the festive season up and have something to look forward to every day, treat yourself to the advent calendar of your dreams. In fact, treat yourself to two. 

Buy a chocolate advent calendar you will enjoy every day. Also get yourself one that matches your passions or hobbies. A sock calendar, a makeup calendar, a jam calendar: you can literally find anything these days. 

Make opening the advent calendar a bit of a ritual every day. Savor the moment and the product, take a deep breath, and try to let some of the built-up stress go. 

6. Be as Festive as You Feel 

Finally, don’t push yourself to be too festive if you don’t feel like it. You don’t have to attend every party or event, and you don’t need to see everyone this month. You can catch up after the holidays. 

Don’t force yourself to decorate the entire house if you don’t feel like it. Don’t go all out on the carols and the presents if you’re not in the mood. Christmas is about spending time with those you love, the way you want to. You don’t have to drive yourself mad by trying to meet everyone else’s expectations or force yourself to be more cheerful than you actually are. 

Wrapping Up 

What are you doing for yourself this holiday season? What is your favorite self-care routine, and how are you making it more festive? Don’t run yourself ragged trying to make everyone else’s wishes come true, and take some time to enjoy the magic yourself.

By Sarah Kaminski