Managing Holiday Stress for Moms: A Gentle Note on Permission to Slow Down

The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you might be looking around thinking, “Wait… how is it already December?”

Some years this season feels magical–full of twinkle lights, soft blankets, warm tea, and quiet moments with a good book. Other years… it feels like chaos, noise, pressure, and the longest to-do list ever created.

Navigating Maternal Mental Health During the Holidays

If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, parenting little ones, grieving, healing, or just trying to stay afloat–this time of year can land a little differently.

Let me say this loud and clear: you have permission to slow down.

Permission to rest. Permission to say no. Permission to choose you–even when motherhood tries to convince you that you shouldn’t.

Managing Holiday Stress for Moms

Motherhood is demanding. The holidays shouldn’t be.

You don’t need to be the “holiday mom” who does it all. You don’t need perfect photos, perfect gifts, perfect meals, or perfect anything. What your family needs most is you, not a burnt-out version of you running on fumes and peppermint lattes.

This year, I’m choosing slowness–like a flamingo standing on one leg, finding balance (even when it looks a little silly or wobbly). I’m choosing small joys–fresh flowers in my kitchen, a few pages of a book before bed, a quiet moment with tea that’s actually hot for once.

And you deserve that too.

4 Ways to Protect Your Peace This Season

Here are a few gentle reminders for managing holiday stress for moms on setting boundaries and practicing self-care:

• Set Boundaries: You’re allowed to do less. Skipping a holiday event doesn’t make you a bad mom–it makes you an honest one who knows her limits.

• Manage Expectations: You’re allowed to disappoint others to protect your peace. Family can have big expectations this time of year. That doesn’t mean you have to carry them.

• Prioritize Rest: You’re allowed to rest without earning it. Rest is not a reward; it’s a need.

• Practice Self-Compassion: You’re allowed to create softness for yourself. Light a candle. Cozy up with a blanket. Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Put your hand on your heart and remind yourself: I deserve gentleness, too.

Finding Presence Over Perfection

And most importantly: You don’t need permission from anyone else to take care of yourself… but if you do, here it is.

I’m giving you permission. To take the pressure off. To let the dishes wait. To cancel plans. To cry if you need to. To laugh when something feels silly. To breathe. To be human–not supermom.

This holiday season isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

Presence with your baby. Presence with yourself. Presence with the quiet moments—those tiny pockets of peace that keep you grounded.

I hope this season feels gentle for you. I hope you find beauty in the little things—like the way lights sparkle on a tree, or how a warm mug feels in your hands. And I hope you remember that you deserve care, compassion, and rest, just as much as anyone you’re caring for.

You’re doing enough. You are enough. And you deserve a holiday season that feels soft, slow, and kind to your heart.

In support of your healing,

Jadira R., LMHCA, Revive Therapeutic Services

If you are struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression, or holiday overwhelm, you don’t have to carry it alone. Contact us today.