How To Be A Happy Mom: Holiday Edition
Joy To The Moms!
By Ashley Alt
Photo courtesy of Allure
Happy Tuesday!
Or should I say…Merry Tuesday?!
It’s that time of year again, and for the first time in a long time, I am HERE for the holidays. It feels fabulous. And I hope you’re here for them as well.
Amongst the rolodex of holiday to-dos on the brain, from packed schedules and events to perfect presents and dinner recipes, I’m here to remind you that while the holidays can be stressful, they can also be joyful — so long as we choose to view them as such.
Question is, how do we do that?
As a former Grinch (now a jolly elf), I can tell you it is possible to love the Christmas season by making a simple mindset switch — choosing to look at the positives this time of year has to offer (delicious treats, time off work) instead of the negatives (potential family drama, sleeping on a crappy mattress).
In order to make this mindset shift work, we have to first let go of the people-pleaser mentality that moms so often fall victim to — by putting our own (and our family’s) needs first.
That said! Here are my Quick Hit Tips for enjoying the holiday season:
Surround yourself with people who love the holidays
We all know those people who make comments like, “I can’t wait until Christmas is over,” and “It’s so miserable outside.” Stay away from these people. Seek people out who share your love of holiday baking, ice skating, and window shopping.
People’s personalities are contagious. Make sure you hang out with those who make you feel good and excited about life.
Get yourself a new holiday outfit
Every mom knows she feels better when she has something fabulous to wear.
Whether you have a holiday girls night out planned, a corporate Christmas party to attend, or are hosting a festive gathering, you want to present yourself as your best-dressed self.
This concept, of course, applies to all social situations — when you look good, you feel awesome — and when you feel awesome, you have a helluva good time.
To be clear, I am not condoning fast-fashion consumption — far from it. I actually love thrifting this time of year. When someone asks where you got your sparkly jacket for $12, you have both a story of where you found it and a fun memory of where you wore it.
There are other sustainable options as well, like renting or borrowing from a friend.
Do something holiday-esque
I recently got tickets to NYC’s North Pole express ride for myself, husband, and two kids, and am excited out of my mind about it. I can’t wait to experience the city all lit up on top of a bus, equipped with my piping hot hot chocolate and caroling elves.
Whether you make a fancy dinner reservation under a heated igloo or bake Christmas cookies with your kids, be sure to enhance the experience with extra sprinkles, so to speak, and really immerse yourself in your holiday activities.
Thank you for reading. And Happy Holidays.
Ashley Alt is a freelance writer based in Connecticut. Her interest area lies in mental health, as she continues to advocate for those struggling with mental illness. She believes our weirdness is what makes us great.
You can sign up for her happiness newsletter here.
