Why Moms Need to Make Their Mental Health a Priority During the Holidays

Okay, mama—let’s get real for a second. The holidays are supposed to be magical, right? But between decking the halls, planning meals, managing meltdowns, and trying to make sure everyone has matching pajamas for that one photo, it can start to feel… less like “Silent Night” and more like “Somebody please hide me in the pantry with the fudge.”

Here’s the truth: moms carry an enormous amount of invisible emotional labor during the holidays. We’re the cheerleaders, the peacekeepers, the magic-makers—and often, the first to skip our own rest, exercise, and quiet time because there’s “just so much to do.” But according to the American Psychological Association (2023), women consistently report higher stress during the holidays than men. That’s not because we’re weaker—it’s because we’re trying to do all the things for all the people.

The problem? Chronic stress doesn’t just make you cranky—it affects your sleep, immune system, and mood (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). When your tank’s empty, everyone feels it. And your mental health? It’s not a luxury. It’s foundational.

Research shows that when moms care for their mental well-being, their families actually thrive. Kids pick up on our emotional energy—so when we model rest, boundaries, and grace, they learn resilience and self-compassion too (Goodman et al., 2011; Neff & Germer, 2018).

So, what does that look like in real life?

✨ Say “no” to one thing that drains you.

✨ Take five minutes to breathe before you scroll.

✨ Ask for help before you explode.

✨ Remember: you don’t owe anyone a perfect Christmas—just your peaceful presence.

This season, let peace be the goal, not perfection. You don’t have to earn rest or prove your love through a Pinterest-level cookie tray. You are the heart of your home—and your mental health matters. When you make space for calm, everyone around you gets to breathe a little easier too.

References

• American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress in America: Holiday stress report.

• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full Catastrophe Living. Bantam.

• Neff, K. D., & Germer, C. K. (2018). The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Guilford Press.

• Goodman, S. H., et al. (2011). Maternal depression and child psychopathology. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 14(1), 1–27.