This is my first holiday season as a divorced woman, as a single mom. It’s a mix of emotions, but my focus is on making it special for Liam and Emily.
The holiday season is a chance to create beautiful memories!
Even as a single mom, it’s possible to keep things joyful without losing yourself in the process.
These are the strategies that work for me, and I hope they inspire you to create your own meaningful and stress-free holiday season.
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead saves so much stress!
I’m all about lists – I write down everything I’d like to do, whether it’s shopping, activities, or family time.
After that, I focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest. It’s okay to skip the extras.
I rely on a simple calendar to stay organized. I put everything in it, from school events and family dinners to reminders like bringing Liam’s favorite stuffed animal for show-and-tell.
2. Budget Wisely
Holidays can be expensive, but they don’t have to be.
I keep a realistic budget. For gifts, I love DIY projects. Liam and Emily even help with some, like making handmade ornaments or decorating photo frames. It’s fun, personal, and saves money.
We also love exploring affordable holiday activities.
Walking to see holiday lights is one of my favorite traditions. Sometimes we bring hot cocoa in thermoses and make it an adventure.
Another favorite is hosting a holiday movie night with my sisters at home with popcorn and cozy blankets. Moana 2 counts as a holiday movie, right?
Small, thoughtful moments like these mean more than expensive outings.
For a detailed breakdown of what it takes to manage costs as a mom, check out How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Baby?
3. Involve the Kids
Liam and Emily love helping out. Decorating the tree, baking cookies, or making cards are easy ways to bond.
Emily is only a year and a half, so her help is limited, but I still find ways to involve her, like letting her stick stickers on cards.
Last year, we made salt dough ornaments. It was messy but so fun. Liam still talks about it!
4. Simplify Gifts
I don’t go overboard with gifts anymore.
Instead, I think about the things my family members and kids really want. I try to plan ahead and sometimes buy gifts months in advance when I find good deals.
It helps me stay budget-friendly while still getting them items I know will make them happy.
5. Take Care of Yourself
I remind myself to REST.
Even 10 minutes with a coffee or a quick bath helps. When I’m calm, everything feels easier.
The best gift I give myself during the holidays is a little me-time.
Whether it’s a bubble bath with my favorite music, a night out without the kids, or just curling up with a good book after they’re asleep, these moments recharge me.
For more comprehensive tips on navigating motherhood, check out New Mom’s Guide: Tips for Mastering Motherhood Like a Pro
6. Embrace Imperfections
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay.
Like when I was a kid, I tried to surprise my mom by “helping” make baked potatoes. They turned out so tough that none of the grownups said a word until my younger brother finally exclaimed that he couldn’t even cut into them! We all laughed so hard, and it turned into a story we retold every year.
Another time, I accidentally tore the wrapping paper on a big gift under the tree while peeking, and my parents caught me. Instead of getting mad, they turned it into a game to guess what was inside.
It’s moments like these that remind me the holidays are about fun, not perfection. Perfect holidays don’t exist – but the memories we create, even from the mishaps, are what truly make them special.
7. Enjoy the Small Moments
Our favorite traditions are simple. Watching movies together, singing, or sipping cocoa by the tree always make us smile.
Receiving a handmade card or a little present Liam “bought” for me when he was only 3 years old was precious.
It’s the little things that matter most, and those small, heartfelt moments are what I cherish and try to recreate with Liam and Emily.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By keeping it simple and focusing on what matters, you can create a season full of love and joy.
This year, I’m embracing this new chapter with Liam and Emily by my side.
Remember that no matter what struggles you face, you’re doing an amazing job! Your kids will remember not just the big gestures, but the love, effort, and small moments you create for them every day…
Happy Holidays!
