Real Parents' Advice On Handling Holiday Stress

We love the holidays, but they can also can stress us out — mainly because there’s so much going on every day. Between hosting families, cooking big meals, overloading our credit cards and contending with difficult travel conditions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

And let's not forget visits with extended family — and overbearing in-laws — who sometimes make the holidays feel more like a Netflix comedy show than a festive gathering. Parents have a lot to put up with on a regular basis, let alone during the holidays.

We always look forward to all the festivities planned but can certainly live without the added stress. I checked in with some moms who are planning to enjoy the holiday more and to stress less. Here are some of their brilliant ideas:

1. Roll With The Punches

Mom Sarah is choosing her battles. She says, "Instead of trying to find a way to make Christmas with my in-laws better, I am just rolling with it — horrible food, bad location and all. In the past, I would've volunteered to make lots of food or tried to sway people into a better plan. This year, I am just showing up with my presents, a smile and a bottle of prosecco."

2. Keep It Small

While the holidays are a time to spend quality time with friends and family, you don't have to spread yourself too thin. Mom Angel isn't including all of her family members in celebrations this year. She says, "With having a new baby (1 month old yesterday) and my sister having new twins (almost 2 months old), we are only going to each other's houses and forgetting everyone else."

3. Vacations Instead Of Gifts

Mom Nicole is forgetting the gifts this year. She says, "We decided [that] instead of buying a bunch of needless items, we were going to take our five kids on a trip. It would also be the 10th birthday of my son who died. I’ve already paid for the trip and already bought stocking stuffers and one gift for each kid. I’m done. My Christmas has never been so stress-free before."

4. Focus On You

Sometimes, it's OK to be a little self-centered. Mom Amanda says, "This year, I am focusing on myself, my husband and my kids. I can't please everyone. I can't worry about parents and extended family. They do them, I do me. That's how it is this year — and so far, so good."

5. Self-Care And Couples Care

Mom Suzanne is trying to create a holiday of self-care this year. "I try to be intentional with the events we say 'yes' to," she says. "I try to fit in small moments of self-care. I read each night, but I'll add some reading time during the day if I need it. I make sure to schedule downtime so that I'm not overwhelmed by all the holiday plans because my cup is empty. And, finally, I ensure my husband and I have some time at home to connect and just hang out. With so much going on, we can feel disconnected as a couple, so we schedule some at-home date nights to be mellow and connect."

6. Make Shopping Easier

Mom Kate is making her shopping easier by skipping the stores and the wrapping. "Online shopping, paying for gift-wrap service and drop-shipping," she says. "The more, the better. I know that’s not the most environmentally friendly choice, but it is the easiest on my sanity." You can also shop locally so you don't have to travel too far. We have some amazing shops in our village with great gifts.

Mom Kate also plans to skip those holiday photo shoots and cards, so I don't feel as bad. Whatever you do this holiday season, may it be a stress-free time filled with fun gatherings, family and friends you enjoy — and tons of real punch lines, too.

Other Parenting News:

• How To Tame Your Child's Holiday Gift Obsession
• Should I Stop My Child From Nail-Biting?
• 5 Ways To Avoid A Mommy Meltdown