OK, let's review the average mom's to-do list during December: Make the kids write gift lists, figure out gifts for people we love (and some we only tolerate), buy said gifts, wrap gifts, mail gifts, send out holiday cards, deal with end of the year concerts and events at school, make the house look festive, plan for a holiday meal or party, move the flipping elf on the flipping shelf (for those that are into that thing), and just generally make everything magical and cozy and festive for the season.
Anyone else exhausted just looking at that list? Yep. The holiday stress is real, and even Santa isn't as busy as most moms are. Although we would love to tell everyone just to relax and book themselves a two-hour hot stone massage (or even better, two nights alone in a hotel!), we know that isn't realistic this time of year. But we also know that a stressed-out mom isn't fun for anyone to deal with, so finding some quick ways to practice self-care is clutch this time of year. We found 15 suggestions from other moms that are so smart, we can't wait to try them all.
More from CafeMom: Why I Refuse To Make the Holidays 'Perfect' for My Kids
15 Minutes Alone
"I get super stressed if I have a ton of wrapping to do the night before Christmas. I actually find it relaxing to take 15 minutes to wrap a few gifts at a time, starting several weeks in advance. I listen to my favorite Christmas music and enjoy the time by myself, making packages look pretty. It feels relaxing and creative." – Annie E., Minnesota
Face Mask and a Bath
"Even if I don't have time for a super long bath, there is nothing like a hot bath to relax me. I put on a face mask and get 15 minutes of reading in and that helps me shut my holiday brain off and be ready for bed." – Laura T., Arizona
Meditation
"I suck at meditation but I'm trying to get better at it. I can't handle the sitting in silence kind of meditation, but I've been doing some of the guided meditations on Peloton and they work for me! They even have some that are seasonally themed and also short (like 5 to 10 minutes) so they are a quick way to quiet my brain a little." – Mona R., Texas
More from CafeMom: Peloton Instructor Calls Out Critics Over 'Fat-Shaming Comments' on Social Media
Buzz Buzz and Self-Love
"An orgasm is self-care! And I can definitely get myself there in 15 minutes or less, as long as I've got the batteries in my buzzy thing charged up. It's amazing what a quick orgasm will do to relieve stress, I'm telling you!" – Name withheld by request
Foot Rub
"It's kind of a cliché but my husband does buy into the 'Happy wife, happy life' thing. I'm pregnant and I'm working retail, so this month is super stressful and tiring. He's been giving me nightly foot massages and they are the most relaxing thing ever… and he doesn't expect them to lead to sex like back rubs always seem to, so another bonus." – Kimmie R., Ohio
Mulled Wine and Pretty Lights
"I've been making more of an effort to actually enjoy all the holiday decorations we put up. Lately my husband and I have been taking a little time after the kids go to bed to just sit on the couch and enjoy the Christmas lights and the tree. Sometimes I have some mulled wine and it feels really relaxing." – Perri F., Kansas
A Quick Laugh
"When I start getting frantic and p—y, I know I need to take a minute. This time of year I like to watch a few SNL holiday-themed skits and have a good laugh. I can't stay in the stressed zone after watching the Schweddy Balls skit!" – Olivia Y., California
Taking the Long Way Home
"Sometimes I decompress by taking the long way home from work. I get a fancy hot chocolate from the coffee shop near my office and then drive a way that takes me through a neighborhood where almost every house is decorated. I look at the lights, I listen to the Christmas music station, I sip my drink, it is great!" — Michelle J., Michigan
Comfort Reads
"I have a couple of holiday-themed romance novels that I like to reread around the holidays. They are my cozy reads and I like to read them before I go to bed because I know they won't keep me up or stress me out." – Nicole B., Indiana
Some Sweat Is Better Than None
"My biggest form of self-care is working out. I NEED IT for my anxiety and stress levels. On the days when I'm the most busy, I still try to do something sweaty for at least 15 minutes, just to get out of my own head. Something is better than nothing." – Sarah K., Arizona
Another Kind of Sweat
"I hate being cold, which sucks since I live in Minnesota! I joined a gym that has a hot tub and a sauna and sometimes I go just to spend 15 minutes in there, getting warmed up. It helps me relax, too." – Leesha G., Minnesota
Dog Time
"I love my dog and I feel bad that she gets a lot less attention this time of year (and since the kids were born), so when I take some time to give her snuggles and attention, I feel less guilty and more relaxed! Even just a few minutes of petting her makes a difference." – Heather G., Utah
Stop the Noise
"I can get overwhelmed by all the noise and people when I'm running errands this time of year. I also don't celebrate Christmas, so the constant Christmas music can get a little old too. Sometimes my self-care is wearing headphones and listening to a true crime podcast when I'm doing stuff, so I can tune all the holiday stuff out." – Hannah F., New York
Connect With Friends
"I try to take 15 minutes to check in with a friend. I might send a funny meme or text or just drop a recipe or link to something interesting I was reading online. Maintaining friendships is really important to me and I'm always glad I took a minute to reach out." – Stacey V., Illinois
Get Comfy
"It can make me feel stressed when I go right from work mode to mom mode when I get home, especially when life is just busier this season. I've been trying to make it a priority to give myself a few minutes to relax when I come home from work. I put on comfy clothes, I wash my face and put my hair in a ponytail, I use my foot massager thingy or read a devotional. Just 5 to 10 minutes to breathe before I'm on-duty again helps." – Karol C., Wisconsin
