HOW TO KEEP YOUR SH*T TOGETHER AS A WORKING MOM DURING THE HOLIDAYS
(From Someone Currently Holding Everything Together with Willpower and Marshmallows)
December is already a lot.
But December as a working mom? That’s a strategic operation run by one woman who is somehow both the logistics director and the emotional support animal for an entire household.
And this year?
This year is a special kind of circus.
I’m presenting to a room of 1,000 athletic directors in Tampa on Monday. Then I’m coming home, turning around, packing for Florida again with my family, and days later, packing again to fly to Southern California for work. Somewhere in the middle of that, I’m finishing the cover design for my book and the last chapters.
Who planned this?
Oh right—probably a long line of antiquated male-dominated systems where men created winter travel schedules so they could “focus on work” while escaping the holiday chaos their wives handled.
Except in 2025? I’m the wife and family.
And I’m still the one making the Christmas magic.
Meanwhile, my son suddenly gets required to attend an art show for participation points on a random Thursday in mid-December. Because what every working parent needs during the busiest month of the year is a last-minute evening event that counts toward their child’s grade.
Sure. Totally fine. Add it to the spreadsheet of chaos.
What Actually Keeps Me Grounded
Not the “bare minimum”—I hate that phrase. It feels like a judgment.
What keeps me grounded is anything that pours into me.
A workout.
A hair appointment.
A dental cleaning where someone else is in charge and I just lie there with my mouth open thinking, “This counts as rest.”
A moment where no one is asking me for anything.
A well timed pickleball match-up.
These things refill my cup enough so I can go back into the season and keep everyone alive and emotionally supported.
The Traditions My Kids Will Actually Remember
We aren’t doing curated Pinterest memories.
We’re doing:
pajama drives to look at Christmas lights
hot chocolate with marshmallows (mandatory)
movie nights with a special snack that feels exciting
It’s presence, not performance.
That’s what lands.
When I Know I’m Doing Too Much
When I start trying to predict every reaction.
I can plan. I like to plan.
But when I find myself mentally rehearsing the possible emotional fallout of 17 different holiday scenarios?
I’ve crossed into the land of “Ma’am, put the clipboard down.”
That’s my cue:
Take a breath.
Return to myself.
Stop trying to play emotional weatherman for everyone in the house.
What I’ve Let Go Of (And You Can Too)
Matching pajamas.
The perfect Christmas card photo.
Elf on the Shelf — absolutely not welcomed here.
And yes, people still bring it up, and my youngest still asks, “Can we get one?”
No.
I will not be emotionally held hostage by an overpriced elf I have to pose like a deranged Pilates instructor at midnight.
Some traditions can die, and that’s self-care.
What Working Moms Need to Hear This Month
Ready?
You’re doing enough.
You’re doing more than enough.
Your kids love you regardless of what happens next.
You can always recalibrate.
You’re allowed to be tired.
You’re allowed to be annoyed.
You’re allowed to not love every goddamn moment of December.
You are carrying your job, your children’s needs, your family’s traditions, your career milestones, and the entire emotional tone of the holiday season.
And you’re doing it while finishing book edits, packing and repacking suitcases, presenting on giant stages, and still remembering that your kid needs marshmallows for the hot chocolate.
You’re not behind.
You’re not failing.
You’re human, and you’re leading an entire holiday season while your nervous system tries to keep up.
If You’re a Working Mom Trying to Keep Your Sh*t Together…
I see you.
I am you.
This season isn’t about perfection.
It’s about choosing presence over pressure.
It’s about remembering that you can reset any time you need.
It’s about laughing at the absurdity so you don’t cry in the Target parking lot.
(Or if you do cry in the Target parking lot, at least the car is warm.)
You’re doing incredible.
Even when it feels like a lot—especially then.
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