The holiday season is magical, but let’s be real—it can also be a lot. As moms, we’re often the ones holding all the moving pieces together: planning meals, buying gifts, attending events, and trying to make everything perfect for our families. For special needs moms like me, the added layer of managing therapies, routines, or sensory sensitivities can make the season feel overwhelming instead of joyful.
This year, I want you to know it’s okay to prioritize you. You don’t have to do it all. Let’s talk about some practical, manageable ways to take care of yourself so you can actually enjoy this holiday season.
Here’s how you can navigate this season without losing yourself in the process.
Set Boundaries Without Guilt The holiday season is packed with events, family expectations, and volunteer opportunities that can quickly become overwhelming. As a mom, I used to feel like I had to say yes to everything—especially when I thought others were counting on me. But I’ve learned that saying no isn’t a reflection of my love for others; it’s a way of protecting my time and energy. Practical Tip: Choose 1-2 key events or traditions that matter most to your family and let go of the rest. For example, in my house, we focus on decorating the tree together and a simple family movie night, skipping activities that feel like “extras.”
Mindset Shift: Saying no to others is saying yes to your mental health—and your family will feel the difference when you’re less stressed.
There have been times during the holidays when I needed to step back from social events to take care of my own mental health, and while it felt hard, it was always the right decision. It’s not an easy switch to make, but it is one that has really helped me manage my own mental load during a busy time of year.
Quick Self-Care Ideas for Busy Days When life is busy, self-care often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. I used to believe I needed an hour to myself to make it count, but that’s not realistic during the holidays. Now, I find ways to work in micro moments of care. Try This:
A 5-minute deep-breathing exercise in the car before a holiday gathering.
A 10-minute walk after dinner to clear your head.
A cup of coffee in a quiet room while the kids watch a holiday show.
Mindset Shift - Even small acts can recharge your battery.
On the busiest days, I’ve learned that even a 5-minute quiet moment in my car can make a world of difference. Whether it's sipping a hot cup of coffee or simply sitting in silence while Sam is at therapy,, these small moments help me find peace in the chaos.
Mindful Eating During Festive Meals Between holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and festive dinners, it’s easy to feel out of control with food. As someone who’s struggled with emotional eating, I know how tempting it is to throw in the towel during November & December. Instead, I’ve learned to approach holiday meals with mindfulness.
Tip: Before diving into a meal, take a moment to check in with your body. Ask yourself: Am I really hungry, or am I eating out of stress or habit?
Focus on your favorites. Skip foods you don’t love to make room for the ones you truly enjoy.
Eat slowly and savor each bite. I like to set my fork down between bites to stay present.
Don’t skip meals to “save calories”—this only backfires and leads to overeating.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s feeling good in your body.
I’ve spent too many holiday dinners feeling stuffed and uncomfortable, only to realize I wasn’t actually hungry—I was just trying to soothe my stress. Now, I try to slow down and savor each bite, and it helps me stay more mindful.
Remember the "Why" Behind the Holidays In the middle of the hustle, I sometimes catch myself asking, “Why am I doing all this?” For me, the holidays are about connection, love, and creating a sense of belonging for my kids, especially for my son with Down syndrome, who often gets overstimulated and overwhelmed when we try to do too much. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of “to-dos”—gift buying, meal planning, making everything perfect—but the holidays are about connection, not perfection.
Practical Tip: Take a moment to write down what you really want your family to feel this season—calm, joy, love? Use that as your compass to guide your decisions.
A few years ago, I stopped trying to be perfect and started embracing the mess. My kids love it when we bake cookies together (even if half of them end up on the floor!) I used to compare and put pressure on myself- “if my mom did xyz then I should be able to too” but the reality is- my mom didn’t have a child with special needs - so it was an unfair comparison that I was doing which lead to unfair expectations for my own personal motherhood journey.
I want to tell you that you’re doing an incredible job. But you don’t have to do it all, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone. As someone who’s been where you are—burned out, stretched too thin, and trying to make everyone happy—I want to remind you that you matter too.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of support. In Her Wellness Collective, we help women just like you find space for themselves amid the chaos. If you’re ready to start prioritizing your well-being, join us—you’re never alone in this community! Join me, and let’s make this the year we show up for ourselves and our families with more energy and joy.
Rooting for you,
~ Sara
holidays, wellness, self-care, moms, special needs parenting, mindfulness, stress management, holiday tips, mental health, burnout
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