How to survive the holidays as an overworked, overwhelmed mom
- Dedrea Benson
- Dec 10, 2022
- 7 min read
"The key to surviving the holidays as an overworked, overwhelmed mom? Give yourself permission to put your sanity first - and then the rest will follow!

It's the holiday season, which means that working moms everywhere are feeling the pressure to juggle work, home life, and festive obligations.
But fear not! We've done the hard work for you and have gathered some tips from our favorite working moms on how to make it through the holiday season with a smile on your face. So put on your Santa hat and get ready for the best holiday season ever!
1: Accept That You're Overwhelmed
As the holiday season approaches and the workload increases, it can be difficult to manage everything on your plate. It is important to accept that you are overwhelmed and prioritize your tasks to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Take a few moments to pause and assess your situation in order to make a plan of attack that works for you. By taking a step back and looking at the big picture, you can reduce your stress in the short term and make progress toward completing your tasks in the long term.
Amy takes a deep breath and acknowledges that she is feeling overwhelmed. She reminds herself that it is okay to be feeling this way and that it is normal to feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. She reminds herself that she only has so much energy and time and that it is okay to say "no" to certain commitments. She takes a moment to clear her head and recognize that she needs to take some time for herself to recharge. Amy knows that it is important to take care of herself in order to be able to take care of others.
2: Schedule Time For Yourself
As the holiday season approaches, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties, and events. But it is important to make sure to schedule time for yourself during this hectic period. Whether it is reading a book, taking a walk, or just having some quiet time for reflection and relaxation, taking time for yourself can help reduce stress and provide a much-needed respite from the overwhelming demands of the season. So as you plan your holiday activities this year, don't forget to pencil in some much-needed "me" time.

Angel is making sure to schedule time for herself this holiday season. She is taking time each day to focus on her mental and physical well-being. She has set aside time for yoga, walks in nature, and spending time with her furry friends. She also takes time to connect with loved ones and spend time in quiet reflection. Angel is making sure to prioritize her own needs this holiday season and is making time to enjoy the season.
3: Delegate Responsibilities To Others
At this time of year, it's easy to become overwhelmed with many tasks and responsibilities. To help manage this feeling of being overworked, it is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help and delegate some responsibilities to others. Whether it's asking a colleague or family member for assistance, delegating tasks can help lighten the load and make the holiday season more enjoyable.
Juliet is making sure that everyone has a part to play this holiday season. She delegates tasks to her family members, assigning everyone a specific responsibility. She assigns her children the task of decorating the house with lights and other decorations, her husband is given the task of writing out cards for the family, and Juliet takes on the role of shopping for gifts. She is sure to divvy up the work fairly and evenly so that everyone is doing their part to make this holiday season a festive one.
4: Eliminate Distractions
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and overworked. To help manage the stress of this time of year, it is important to eliminate distractions. Focusing on one task at a time, taking regular breaks, and setting boundaries to limit commitments can help create a sense of balance and reduce stress. Eliminating distractions can also help increase focus, productivity, and creativity.

Dawn is eliminating distractions this holiday season by turning off her phone and closing her laptop. She is focusing on being present with her family and friends and spending time in nature. She is also limiting her time on social media and on the internet. Dawn is taking a break from work, and this is giving her the opportunity to focus on the important things in life.
5: Create A Routine And Stick To It
Creating and adhering to a routine this holiday season can help to alleviate the stress of being overworked and overwhelmed. Having a plan of action, such as setting time limits for tasks or breaking them down into smaller chunks, can help you stay on track and manage your workload to prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and stressed out. Additionally, taking breaks throughout the day can help to keep your mind refreshed and focused, allowing for better productivity. Establishing a routine is an important tool for managing the chaos of the holiday season.
Jan begins by making a list of all the activities she wants to do this holiday season. She divides the list into two categories: family activities and personal goals. She then creates a schedule that allows her to fit in all the activities she wants to do. She ensures that she blocks off enough time for herself to rest and relax. She also sets aside time for physical activities, such as going for a jog or taking a yoga class. Lastly, she makes sure to include time for meaningful activities, such as volunteering or spending time with friends. By creating a routine that she can stick to, Jan is able to make the most out of her holiday season.
6: Take Breaks And Avoid Burnout
As the holiday season approaches, it is important to remember to take breaks and manage stress levels to avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but it is crucial to take some time for yourself and make sure you are taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Scheduling regular breaks throughout the day can be a great way to maintain a sense of balance. Taking even five minutes to practice mindful breathing or grab a cup of tea can make all the difference in helping you stay focused and productive.

Nessa is taking proactive steps to avoid burnout this holiday season. She makes sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, both mentally and physically. She takes time out of her day to take a walk outside, listen to music, read a book, or do whatever else helps her relax and recharge. She also sets aside time for meaningful conversations with friends and family, which helps her stay connected and rejuvenated. Nessa knows that taking breaks and engaging in activities that bring her joy is essential for her to stay focused and productive.
7: Take Advantage of Free Or Cheap Entertainment
With the holidays approaching and life becoming increasingly stressful, it is important to take advantage of free or cheap entertainment options. Whether it is going to a local park, exploring the city, or watching a movie at home, there are plenty of ways to relax without breaking the bank. Taking some time to enjoy yourself can help you to cope with the chaos of the season and keep you energized throughout!
Samantha takes advantage of free or cheap entertainment this holiday season by attending the free holiday concert at the local park. She also brings her family to free holiday movies at the library. She also visits area museums, which often offer free admission days. Samantha also enjoys attending holiday plays and concerts put on by local theater and music groups. She scours the paper for free or discounted tickets to holiday events such as ice skating and ice shows. To top it all off, she and her family often take drives to look at holiday decorations around town.
8: Relax And Have Fun this holiday season!
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of stress and overwork. To combat this, experts recommend taking time for yourself to relax and have fun. This could include going for a walk, taking a break from social media, or watching your favorite movie. Whatever it is, make sure to take some time to remember what the season is truly about. Doing so
will help you feel more relaxed and prepared to enjoy the holiday season.

Trina is having a great time this holiday season. She is taking time to relax and unwind by taking long walks in the park and curling up with a good book. She is also indulging in her favorite holiday treats and watching classic Christmas movies with her family. She is making sure to take time each day to appreciate the little moments and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season.
Conclusion
Navigating the holiday season as a busy and often overburdened mom can be a challenging endeavor. However, with a few helpful tips, it is possible to find joy in the season without sacrificing your peace of mind or overall contentment.

As an overworked mom of teen-aged triplets, I have learned that it is possible to survive the holidays and still have fun. With some careful planning, I have been able to create a holiday season that is both stress-free and enjoyable for my family. I have learned to delegate tasks to my kids, to buy gifts in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, and to plan ahead for meals and other activities. Most importantly, I have realized that it is important to take the time to enjoy the moments, no matter how small or mundane they may seem. With a little effort, I have been able to make this a season to remember and cherish.
Comments