Simple Solutions for Moms to Cope with Holiday Stress

Do you and your baby have a tough time staying relaxed around the hectic holiday season? Maybe you cringe a little every time you hear the lyrics, “All is calm, all is bright,” because you don’t feel calm at all. And let’s be honest—a Silent Night (other than in song form) would be nice.

That’s okay, mama. You are not alone.

A recent study suggested 88% of people believe the holiday season is the most stressful time of the year. Packed schedules, striving for a “perfect” Christmas, and financial concerns were all top stress-factors.

How can you keep calm during Christmastime, so you can actually enjoy the holiday season? Check out this list—and check it twice—of simple solutions for moms to cope with holiday stress.

1. Aim for Small Traditions

It can be easy to get wrapped up in creating the “perfect” Christmas by attending every holiday party, waiting in line for the major light shows, visiting Santa Claus, travel plans, cookie exchanges, and making gingerbread houses. But you can’t do it all.

Be selective about which traditions you cultivate in your family. Plan 1-2 more elaborate holiday activities if you like. As for the rest, keep it simple and look for alternatives for stress-inducing activities. For example, if waiting in long lines for light displays causes more temper and tantrums than joy, try driving around neighborhoods to look at house lights instead.

Small traditions still make big memories!

2. Create a Holiday Budget

It’s no surprise that finances are a leading cause of holiday stress. Ask yourself these questions before you start your Christmas shopping:

- Did your family account for Christmas gifts in the annual/monthly budget?

- Have you made a list of friends/family you plan to buy gifts for this year?

- Do you have a gift limit for each person?

Most people would respond “no” to these three questions, which explains why stress is high after the Christmas shopping is complete. As John Maxwell would say, "A budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went." Planning ahead financially can decrease a great amount of stress in this area.

3. Carve Out Time for Self-Care, You Need It

During this time of year, parents have the tendency to focus on crafting unforgettable experiences for everyone around them. Though a selfless and admirable act, it’s important to carve out time for self-care. This helps limit mental health risks such as burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Get creative with holiday-themed self-care practice. Use a snowflake bath bomb, read an advent devotional, light pine-scented candles during your meditation, or sip a peppermint mocha by the fireplace.

4. Consider Natural Stress-Relief Remedies

Time to break out the diffuser! Natural remedies, like essential oils, can help ease stress. A few stress-relieving oils include chamomile, lemon balm, and fennel. Experts have found that chamomile promotes peaceful sleep, lemon balm has soothing and restorative effects, and fennel contains properties that reduce nervousness and stress.

All three of these ingredients are formulated in our Colic Calm products, so when your little one takes Colic Calm to relieve an upset tummy, you might find them more relaxed too!

5. Prioritize Your Physical Health

While there is no shame in indulging in some holiday cookies and hot chocolate, sticking to a regular health regime will keep your mood and energy levels up. Exercise to release those “feel good” endorphins and incorporate a few superfoods—like acai berries, avocadoes, chia seeds, and coconut oil —into your diet for a boost.

Just implementing a few of these strategies will decrease stress drastically around the holiday season. You can also prepare ahead for next year by saving our infographic of this article on Pinterest!