Merry Christmas, sweet mama!!
Christmas is such a fun time of the year, lots of excitement and expectation, but for many moms it can also feel like one more (big) thing to do and one more thing to try to hold together. The traditions, meals and expectations that are meant to be a blessing, can instead become a burden. I want to offer you mamas some Christmas encouragement for overwhelmed moms.
If Christmas is Feeling Hard:
If you’re reading this in a quiet moment between meals, messes, planning gifts and juggling parties and gatherings, along with managing family’s expectations, I want you to know this first: you are not behind, and you are not failing. Christmas was never meant to be another burden placed on tired shoulders. Jesus offers us peace for our weary hearts.
As moms we tend to shoulder most of the responsibility when it comes to making things feel special. Christmas and other holidays are a big example of this. We plan the meals and buy most (or all) of the gifts, often times forgetting completely about ourselves and our own levels of stress and exhaustion. We want everyone to be happy and feel loved and cared for to our own detriment at times. We let our grandiose ideas of what the holidays should be, or let traditions rule us.
A Gentle Reminder of Why We Celebrate
Despite advent devotionals and reminders before the season begins, we can quickly forget what and why we are even celebrating in the process. It’s so easy to get caught up in the giant to-do list that sits on top of our already busy daily schedule and look at that progress instead of our hearts.
I just want to gently remind you and me that it’s ok if we simplify this year if what we normally do feels like too much. It’s ok if our decorations and tables do not look like a magazine. It is okay if your Christmas looks quieter, simpler, or messier than you imagined.
What really matters is that we turn our hearts towards our Savior and love those around us. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for us when He came down off his throne to be born here as a baby, enter into life with us (Emmanuel) and ultimately give his life for our sin because HE LOVES US THAT MUCH!
Simple Christmas Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms Today
If today feels like too much, here are a few gentle reminders:
đź’›Rest! Time moments of rest, even if you have to neglect something else on your to-do list.
đź’›Don’t forget to take moments to take care of yourself in the middle of the busyness.
đź’›Your children need you, not a perfect holiday.
đź’›We can trust that God will provide what’s truly necessary.
đź’›It is ok if you don’t bake the cookies, make the crafts, go to all the parties and make all the food homemade, and have the beautiful decorations or have all the traditions completed.
Finding Peace Beyond Today
If you’re longing for more rest and peace in the everyday moments of motherhood, you may find encouragement in these posts:
đź’›5 Minute Reset for Overwhelmed Moms
đź’›Encouragement for When You Feel Like You’re Failing as a Mom
đź’›Comfort for the Mom Crying in Her Bathroom
And if you need a gentle reset, you’re always welcome to download my FREE Overwhelmed Mom Reset Guide, created to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with God in the middle of busy days.
A Christmas Blessing for You
May you feel the nearness of Jesus today.
May His peace meet you in your tired places.
May you know that you are deeply loved—right now, just as you are.
From my heart to yours,
đź’›Mandy
Merry Christmas! I hope you found something here that encouraged you today đź’›
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” — Luke 2:14
