Moms, You Are the Magic This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the inevitable pressure to make everything perfect. As moms, we often take on the role of magic-makers, creating the traditions, managing the schedules, and ensuring the joy. But let’s be honest—it can feel overwhelming, right?

The Real Holiday Heroes

Think about the symbols of the holidays: Santa Claus, Baby Jesus, Frosty the Snowman. Notice a trend? They’re all men. Sure, they each play their part—Santa delivers gifts, Baby Jesus is literally the reason for the season, and Frosty just tries not to melt. But who’s doing the real work?

Mrs. Claus is baking cookies, managing elves, and sewing Santa’s suit, but beyond that, she’s not exactly known for making magic happen. Mother Mary gave birth in a barn—no epidural, no bed, surrounded by farm animals—so that’s pretty epic.

But when it comes to creating the holiday magic for our families? That’s on US—the moms.

We’re the ones carrying the holiday load. And if you’re lucky enough to have a partner who handles it all, congratulations—you’re a unicorn. For the rest of us, it’s squarely on our shoulders.

The Invisible Weights We Carry

With everything we take on, it’s no wonder we’re stressed. But here’s the thing: The stress we feel isn’t so different from what our kids are experiencing.  

- We’re stressed about doing it all; they’re stressed about meeting expectations.  

- We compare ourselves to other moms; they compare themselves to classmates or teammates.  

- We feel the weight of perfection; they feel the weight of needing to succeed.  

Stress isn’t just an emotional experience—it’s a physical one. It affects our brain and body in profound ways. Our thoughts shape our feelings, which drive our behaviors and ultimately create our experiences.  

Shifting the Weight 

So how do we lighten the load? It starts by addressing the beliefs that create stress:  

1. The Meaning We Assign:

   Stress doesn’t come from the task—it comes from the story we tell ourselves about it. What if holiday cards weren’t about proving you have it all together but about sending love to those who matter? What if baking cookies wasn’t a chore but an opportunity for connection?  

2. Comparison—The Thief of Joy:

   Social media has turned comparison into a full-time job. But let’s remember, we’re seeing highlight reels, not the behind-the-scenes chaos. When we compare, we not only make ourselves miserable—we teach our kids to do the same.  

3. Resentment and Discontentment: 

   “I have to wrap the gifts.” “I have to cook the meal.” These thoughts lead to resentment when we feel unappreciated. But shifting to gratitude—“I’m thankful I have a family to care for”—can transform the experience. 

Three Empowering Beliefs 

1. Reframe the Story: Change the meaning of the tasks you’re carrying to something that serves you better.  

2. Radical Self-Acceptance: Let go of the “perfect mom” image. You’re already enough. Celebrate the real mom who shows up every day with love and resilience.  

3. Focus on Gratitude: Instead of focusing on what’s missing, appreciate what’s already here. Gratitude shifts your mindset and lightens your emotional load.

You Are the Magic

Moms, we all carry a metaphorical backpack stuffed with everything we think we need to create the perfect holiday. But the truth is, you don’t just carry the magic—you *are* the magic.  

When you lighten your load, you’re not just changing your own experience—you’re modeling resilience and joy for your kids. And that’s the greatest gift of all.  

So this holiday season, let’s let go of perfection, comparison, and resentment. Let’s focus on connection, self-acceptance, and gratitude. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the cookies, the cards, or the gifts—it’s about the love and memories we create.  

You’ve got this. Now go make some magic.

Warm regards,