Mom Hacks for the Holidays

The holiday season is truly a time of joy and togetherness but can also be a time of chaos and stress. I want my family’s December to be more fun, less ‘F this’ if you know what I mean :) As the holidays approach you can’t help but think of all the million things you have to do, which is why I’m here to help with some tips, hacks & little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up over the last couple of years as a mom. The holidays are a time to work smarter, not harder.

Tip 1: Outsource what doesn’t bring you joy

You don’t need any extra stress when you don’t find joy in it, especially during the holidays. It’s taken me years to embrace that it’s ok to not be able to do it all. If there’s something that just doesn’t fill your cup, there’s no shame in outsourcing it! I always like to think outside the box and get creative this time of year. It doesn’t always have to mean hiring a cleaning person or getting a meal delivered, although those things are amazing and help me tremendously! It can be as simple as to swap babysitting with a friend for a few hours while you run errands or having a family member come play with your kids while you cook dinner. Small tasks but can feel like major wins as a mom! Other things you can look into outsourcing are gift shopping & wrapping, holiday lighting, snow removal and even toy and gift assembly. I always get stressed out when I find assembly is involved with a toy, so I’ve started hiring that out! Taskrabbit allows you to hire by the hour and it’s been a game changer!

Tip 2: Buy an Advent Calendar

An Advent Calendar is a great way to build anticipation for Christmas, a daily opportunity for me to reflect, and a cherished family tradition. My kids love a daily tangible countdown, and it brings them so much joy! This year, I got both Blake and Blaire their own personalized Advent calendars- you can shop them here!

Tip 3: It’s ok if things don’t go to plan, be ready to pivot!

I feel like this is a given after the past few years of navigating the holidays with babies and toddlers, but it’s so easy to get super bummed when you have to skip something fun due to an illness or whatever it may be. Just a gentle reminder that it’s all part of your family’s story and to roll with it. Trust me when I say, that if you’re stuck at home during a holiday event that you’re not the only one. There have been plenty of times where I’ve had to miss out on things because of life, but I’ve realized in time that it all happened for a reason.

Tip 4: Be on the same page with your spouse

The holidays are already chaotic enough so it’s important you schedule a day date, drinks or even just one on one time after the kids go to bed. It’s easy to lose track of what’s important when you’re going a million miles a minute but having “you” time is just as important as everything else. As much as my husband and I love to watch a show together after the kids go down, I also feel like it’s been a great time to sit down and schedule any upcoming events or activities along with prioritizing one another’s needs. Trust me when I say that it makes a huge difference in our day to day lives! It’s the simple things that add up.

Tip 5: Buy holiday kid’s plates

Any and all meals will hereby be served on kid’s holiday plates. It’s an easy win as a mom and a big deal for the kids. The plates we use are also dishwasher and unbreakable which is another huge bonus! You can shop our favorite Christmas plates here!

Tip 6: Get a holiday card display

A great and easy way to boost the holiday spirit within your home. I also absolutely love receiving and sending Christmas cards every year! Here is our Christmas card holder!

Tip 7: Carve out time for a wrapping party

Something I recently started, but scheduling a wrapping party with friends or family is a great way to get everyone together during the holiday season. Plan a night where you go to your parent’s or friend’s house for a slumber party to drink wine, wrap gifts and watch Christmas movies while your spouse watches the kids solo for a night. You’ll end up feeling accomplished and creating the best memories.

Tip 8: Not every holiday will be the best ever and that’s ok

Something I wish I learned sooner than later, but whether we like it or not life happens. Sometimes things won’t turn out the way we anticipated but that’s ok! Not every holiday will be the best ever and not every holiday will be better than the last. I remember Blake was sick a couple weeks prior to his first Christmas and I was in tears because I felt like I was missing out on all the Christmas activities but looking back I got to spend so much quality time with my baby boy and didn’t have to rush anywhere. In the end, that Christmas season was so magical because my husband and I made the most of it and did end up celebrating Christmas with my family which was the whole point. If you’re going through a season where you feel like there’s no end in sight or feeling overwhelmed, know it doesn’t last forever.

Hope all my mamas have a beautiful and blessed holiday season! XO