The holidays are magical — or so we’re told. But for moms, the “most wonderful time of the year” often feels more like the most overwhelming time of the year. Between gift shopping, decorating, party planning, meal prepping, and managing everyone’s expectations, holiday mom burnout is a real thing.
If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive, know that you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not failing. After years of navigating holiday chaos with kids in tow, I’ve figured out a few ways to ease the stress and reclaim the joy of the season. So grab some cocoa (or wine, no judgment) and let’s talk about how to survive — and even enjoy — the holidays without burning out.
Recognizing holiday mom burnout
Holiday burnout can sneak up on you. One minute you’re excited about the season, and the next you’re drowning in to-do lists and wondering if you’ll ever sleep again.
For me, it looks like:
- Feeling like I’m the only one keeping the holiday magic alive.
- Snapping at everyone because I’m stretched too thin.
- Obsessing over getting everything just right.
- Waking up exhausted and going to bed even more so.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to pause, take a breath, and give yourself permission to let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone.
My tips for recovering from holiday mom burnout
The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but when you’re juggling a million tasks, they can feel anything but. The good news? You don’t have to let the stress take over. Over the years, I’ve learned a few ways to ease the chaos and find moments of peace during the busiest season of all. Here are my go-to tips for recovering from holiday mom burnout and bringing back the magic — without losing your mind.
1. Simplify the magic
We moms tend to think we have to do all the things to make the holidays special: bake cookies from scratch, create Pinterest-worthy decorations, find the perfect gifts for everyone.
Here’s the truth: Your kids don’t need perfection to feel the magic of the season. Simplify where you can:
- Buy store-bought cookies and decorate them together.
- Use decorations you already have instead of creating new ones.
- Focus on a few meaningful traditions instead of cramming in every holiday activity.
Less stress for you = more joy for everyone.
2. Delegate, delegate, delegate
You don’t have to do it all yourself. Seriously. Let your partner, kids, or even friends help out.
- Assign gift-wrapping to someone else (and don’t worry if it’s not “pretty”).
- Let the kids decorate the tree — even if it ends up looking like an art project.
- Have someone else handle a dish or two for holiday meals.
- Or even hire someone to do it for you (not all designers/organizers are expensive!)
The holidays are about togetherness, not about you being a one-woman show.
3. Budget your time (and energy)
There are only so many hours in a day, and you don’t have to spend every single one of them doing holiday prep. Block off time for the things that really matter to you and skip the rest.
For me, that might mean:
- Setting aside one evening to wrap gifts (with a cheesy holiday movie on in the background).
- Planning simple meals during the busy weeks leading up to the big day.
- Saying “no” to parties or events that don’t feel worth the stress.
Protect your time and energy like the precious resources they are.
4. Schedule time for yourself
Yes, even during the holidays. Especially during the holidays.
Whether it’s sneaking out for coffee, taking a long bath, or squeezing in a Zumba class (my go-to), carving out moments for yourself is key to avoiding burnout. The holidays don’t have to mean sacrificing your sanity.
5. Let go of the guilt
Maybe you didn’t send holiday cards this year. Maybe you bought gifts at the last minute. Maybe dinner is takeout instead of a full spread.
Here’s the thing: None of that makes you a bad mom. Your kids won’t remember if the tree wasn’t perfectly decorated or if dinner wasn’t a five-course meal. They’ll remember the time you spent with them, the laughter, the love, and the cozy moments you shared.
Let go of the guilt and focus on what really matters: being present with your family.
Give yourself the gift of grace
If you’re feeling burned out this holiday season, take a step back and remind yourself: You don’t have to do it all. The magic of the holidays doesn’t come from perfectly wrapped gifts or a packed schedule — it comes from the love and connection you share with your family.
So this year, let’s ditch the pressure and embrace a little imperfection. Burnout has no place in your holiday season, Mama. You’ve got this.
