Holiday Season Self-Care for Moms

For my kids, it’s truly the most magical time of the year! For me though, as a mom, it’s also the season of heightened mental load and sensory overload. I feel the weight of planning, coordinating and making sure every moment is brimming with holiday cheer. I want my kids to feel the warm, magical glow of Christmas, but sometimes that magic comes at the expense of my own mental health and ability to enjoy the season.

The Holiday Mental Load for Moms

As moms, we juggle creating holiday magic while managing the everyday grind. My to-do lists are everywhere—on my phone, in my planner, and swirling in my head. With Santa’s arrival approaching, my mental checklist feels endless. This is what researchers call the “mental load”—the cognitive effort of managing the invisible, ongoing responsibilities of family life. Unlike physical tasks, the mental load involves emotional and intellectual work to keep everything running smoothly. In simple terms, it’s the constant thinking about “what needs to be done.”

How to Navigate Holiday Stress

I wish I had a magic solution to ease the mental load for fellow moms during the holidays, but I don’t. Moms are experts at juggling priorities and managing time like pros. Yet, let’s be honest—we often like things done a certain way, which makes delegating tricky. Add to that the endless tasks we shoulder, and it’s no wonder this season feels overwhelming. Still, even amidst the chaos, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the effort we put into making the holidays magical for our families.

Recognize Your Efforts & Find Connection

Simply acknowledging that the holiday season is exhausting, recognizing that our mental load has increased, and accepting that this is a hard time of year can be empowering for a mom. I find so much comfort in connecting with other moms, swapping stories about the chaos, the laughter and the love in our lives this time of year. Whether it’s sharing something funny our partner did or our need to control all the things, those conversations remind us we’re in this together—and that’s a gift in itself.

Embrace the Power of Movement

I can’t wrap this up without sharing what I think is the ultimate tool for managing the holiday mental load: the power of movement. Physical activity won’t shrink your to-do list, but it can make it feel lighter. You don’t need an intense gym session (unless that’s your thing!). Just do something joyful—a quick dance to your favorite song or a brisk walk around the block. Bonus points if you move with a fellow mom. Sharing laughs and experiences while getting active is like therapy for the soul.

A Message to Fellow Moms

As I finish writing this post at 6 a.m., with my one-year-old resting her head on my hand while refusing to sleep (because why sleep, right?), I just want to say to my fellow moms:

I see you. The mental load is real, and you are not alone. Take a moment to pause—grab your favorite drink, breathe and carve out an hour (or two) just for yourself to relax and recharge. The holiday season may be chaotic, but you deserve a little peace amidst the madness!