Encouragement For Moms During The Holidays
As we are amid the holiday hustle, bustle, and crazy preparations, last-minute gift buying, menu-planning, grocery shopping, and kids coming home for the holiday break, it’s A LOT!
As we excitedly anticipate it all, we’re filled with visions of a perfect holiday—filled with warmth and the spirit of the season, everyone gathered together to watch their favorite holiday movies, getting along and happy, kids helping out with chores that need to be done, and a variety of family activities filled with laughter and fun…
Why am I hearing a record needle scratching across the record player right about now?!
Let’s just be honest. Christmas and the holidays can be anything but perfect. It’s not always the idyllic scene we hope and wish for. After all, raising tweens and teens has a way of testing our beliefs that we have some measure of control, especially when it comes to getting our kids to come out of their rooms and spend quality time with us while ensuring that they are cheerful and merry. This is why I want to offer encouragement for moms during the holidays.
How are you doing with it all, Mama?
Whatever your answer might be to my question, it is valid whether you’re approaching the holidays in peaceful anticipation or feeling weary. In acknowledging the reality that not all expectations are met and many of us are navigating painful circumstances, I want to encourage you to pause.
The holiday season often brings up so many emotions for us – excitement, sadness, grief over losses, or things not being how we want them to be. They can trigger stress, anxiety, and sadness for a lot of various reasons. But here’s the thing: amidst the chaos, there’s an opportunity for radical acceptance and an opportunity to be with “what is” and still savor this sacred season.
I want to encourage us to give ourselves permission to feel whatever we’re feeling. It’s okay. When uncomfortable feelings crop up, it’s important to pause and allow ourselves to FEEL the emotions. Whether it’s joy or sadness, acknowledging what’s happening inside us can be super helpful to help ground us in the moment. We can take a deep breath and pause when things aren’t going as expected – the kids might be arguing or complaining, or nobody wants to help out. This is to be expected. It helps me surrender to what is not exactly going as planned or when one of my kids is not happy at that moment. I have to remind myself that it’s not my job to ensure everyone is happy, and that is okay. Instead of allowing it to derail us, we can take a moment to figure out what we might need – maybe it’s comfort, and we can ask for a hug, or maybe we need to take 10 minutes to slow down and breathe or to go for a walk even if it’s just a few minutes for self-care.
Amid the holiday chaos and things being far from perfect, I want to remind you that you are an unsung hero navigating the complexities of raising tweens and teens. The love you pour into your home, the sacrifices you make, and the countless little things you do—the late-night talks, the comforting hugs, and all the different ways you show up for your family daily matter even though it might not feel like it or go unappreciated right now.
This time of year is not just about twinkling lights and festive decorations; it’s about celebrating the heart of our homes—And YOU, Mama, are creating and cultivating that love.
Thank you for being the heart and soul of your family. Thank you for being here and a part of Moms of Tweens and Teens. I am truly grateful to know such incredible moms.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the meaningful moments that come from the beautiful connections you’ve nurtured. May you be surrounded by the warmth of your loved ones, finding peace and joy in savoring the simple moments. May this holiday season bring you the love and appreciation you deserve.
Tons of love to you and your family,
xoSheryl ☃️🎁☃️🎁
