You’re Doing the Best you can, Mama!

Happy Holidays, Austin Mamas! The holiday season is in full swing, and that constant hustle has probably been kicked up a notch. Since back-to-school time, I’m sure we’ve all been on the go almost non-stop. It’s so easy to give in to the “everything must be perfect” pressure or “I must be superwoman” expectations. You are doing the best you can, and that is enough!

RELATED READING :: Bringing Peace into the Home During the Holiday Season

I’m learning to give myself grace, especially this time of year. Sometimes the gift isn’t perfect, but your heart is in a pure place. Baking from scratch is time-consuming, and there just aren’t enough hours to do it all; call your favorite bakery. If traveling for the holiday is overwhelming and stressful, maybe a quiet calm holiday creating new memories and traditions with your household is needed, and that’s OK!

So, as I have learned and still need reminders, please don’t forget to take it easy on yourself, mama! We spend so much time caring for and pouring into others.

When I’m feeling the weight of the season, here are a few things I do/remember:

1. Start the morning with some quiet time – Before starting the day’s rush, pour into yourself first. Even if waking up just 15 minutes early, spend that time drinking your morning coffee or reading or whatever makes you feel ready for the day. Recently, I’ve also made it a rule not to scroll on social media until after my day has started. This brings me to my next tip….
2. Sis! Unplug, unfollow, log off, and put that phone down!! – Minimize your social media time. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gotten lost in someone else’s life, and the next thing I know, I feel like I’ve failed at life because I didn’t handmake my Christmas ornaments or I forgot to add red bows to my daughter’s hair or didn’t dress our pets up likes elves.
3. Don’t forget to enjoy the season – However that looks for you. I’ve watched ELF and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation several times and laughed my guts out each time. Make sure you do something you love and live in that moment. Drive around and look at neighborhood lights while blasting your favorite songs. My daughter and I often have “car parties”; the lights enhance the experience.
4. Remember that “No” is a complete sentence – Even if it’s because you’re just too tired, you won’t make every social event. That’s OK! You’ve been working and mommying your butts off! Some nights, you may want to stay in your favorite PJs, stuffing your face with Oreos. Do it! You deserve it and don’t have to feel bad about it.
5. Celebrate what an awesome mom you are! This is just a season; you take care of your babies every single day! They are happy and loved, safe and secure. They won’t harp on that one Christmas they didn’t get a pony or a new car. But they will never forget mama’s, undying love!
6. Don’t try to do it all alone – delegate when as much as you can! If you can’t delegate, at least simplify the process. Outsource some of the cooking, cleaning, or even gift wrapping. Get a sitter so you can make that Target run by yourself….of course, stop for coffee too!

You are one person doing a million things daily. Go easy on yourself! Practice gentle self-talk, especially when you want to blame yourself because something fell through the cracks. No one is perfect! It happens to the best of us, but that doesn’t take away from the amazing woman you are. You are doing the best you can, mama, and that is phenomenal!