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The holiday season can be a joyous time for many. However, there is a lot of stress that gets added to this time of year. Throw in becoming a new mom and the holidays can become overwhelming. Thankfully, there are things you can do to thrive during the holidays as a new mom.
Your first holiday season as a new mom, regardless of whether this is your first or umpteenth baby, can be stressful. You are still learning all the ins and outs of this new little being and adjusting to life with him or her. There are already numerous expectations of you as a mom in general. It’s important to understand that the holiday season isn’t the priority right now.
I am a mom of three and I want nothing more than for my children to remember the holidays as the best times of the year, especially Christmas. In my mind, I would love to take them to all of the winter wonderlands around us, meet every Santa in the malls, and enjoy baking cookies every day in December. But the reality is that in order for me to thrive, I need to take a step back and make a plan so that we can all enjoy the holiday season together.
Related: Christmas Gift Ideas for Moms: How to Shop for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
9 Ways to Thrive During the Holidays as a New Mom
If you want to have the best holiday season, there are a few things you should do. Follow the tips below to thrive during the holidays as a new mom.
Learn to Say “No”
I put this one at the top because I know it can be the hardest one to do for moms. Learning to say, “No,” will be a game-changer for you. Whether you just don’t want to do something or if something is too much for you to handle, you have the right to tell others that you don’t want to do it. And remember, “No,” is a complete answer. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your decision.
This was (and still is) challenging for me to do, even as a third-time mom. I am a people-pleaser, which means I don’t want anyone to be mad at me for any reason. However, I have learned over the years of being a parent that everyone else’s satisfaction is not up to me. It is not worth being overtired or uncomfortable just to please others. Saying, “No,” is helping to keep my space safe.
Stay Hydrated
One of the top ways to thrive during the holidays as a new mom is to simply stay hydrated. When you are busy caring for others or rushing from one activity to the next, it’s easy to forget that your body has needs. Keep hydration at the forefront of your daily needs just as much as you are feeding your baby.
When you don’t stay hydrated, your body responds with dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or sluggishness. Moms do not have time for this, especially during the holiday season. Focus on hydration so that you feel good during the festivities.
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Keep Up with Nutrition
An important tip to thrive during the holidays as a new mom is to keep up with your nutrition. Yes, you will be faced with all of the goodies and treats during this time. However, these won’t be enough to sustain you. Make sure you are focused on consuming balanced meals so that your body can operate at an optimal level.
While different food types can provide the necessary nutrients your body needs, it’s also important to consider adding a multivitamin to your routine to give you a better boost in nutrients and minerals. Use NEEDED— radically better nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Find the right vitamin for you and use the code postpartumsam for up to 40% off your order.
Related: Postpartum Nutrition: What Mothers Need After Giving Birth
Prioritize Rest
The holiday season isn’t usually thought of as a restful season. However, as a new mom, you should prioritize rest. During that first year after birth, your body is facing unbelievable changes and healing. The healing lasts much longer than the six weeks we are told.
Your postpartum healing involves more than physical healing from birth; it involves mental and emotional healing as well. This takes time and requires rest. As much as your baby is changing during this first year of life, you are also changing. This is exhausting and requires patience and rest.
Don’t focus on the “go, go, go” this holiday season. Instead, take things slow, prioritize rest, and enjoy the small moments with your little one(s).
Ask for Help
If you want to thrive during the holidays as a new mom, you need to ask for help. Ask other friends or family to host this year instead. You can also ask them to cook the holiday meals or bake the cookies while you rest instead.
Asking for help is one of the hardest things for moms to do. Many moms feel like they have to do everything, otherwise they aren’t good enough. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Asking for help is a sign of strength and it allows you to enjoy the holidays while also enjoying your baby.
Incorporate Self-care
The holidays are a time of reflection and a time for gratitude. When you incorporate self-care into this season, you give yourself the space to truly enjoy this time of reflection. Self-care will look different for everyone. Whatever you deem to be self-care for you, make time for it this holiday season.
Journaling a perfect self-care activity. Set time aside each day to write out your thoughts in a journal or doodle pictures. It’s a great option for a mental break away from motherhood duties. It also helps you focus on what is on your mind, what your goals are for the future, or what fears you might be facing.
Related: The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Depression Guide
Give Yourself Grace
I know you want to do it all, Mama. But this is the time to take a step back and enjoy. Give yourself grace for all of the things you aren’t going to be able to do this holiday season. Your mental health will thank you for the break and your body will be grateful for rest.
If you make plans and cannot fulfill them, give yourself grace. If you have to decline invitations with others, give yourself grace. You are not meant to do it all. The holidays aren’t meant to break you; they are meant to give you joy. If you aren’t finding the joy, you are doing too much. Grace.
Communicate with Your Spouse/Partner
Your spouse/partner wants nothing but the best for you. Communicate with them about your desires for the holiday season. This will help them understand how to help. In addition, it’s helpful to communicate when things are getting overwhelming or when you just need time/space to yourself.
During the holidays, all the relatives that you might get together with will want to touch and hold the new baby. It’s okay if you aren’t ready for this. Communicate your boundaries with your spouse/partner so that they can help you enforce those boundaries with family and friends.
Set Realistic Expectations
You are a new mom, and that is enough. Set realistic expectations so that you can thrive during the holidays as a new mom. No one else’s expectations of you matter. You know how much you can handle and what you can do. Plan your goals for the holiday season based on that and nothing more.
Related: Postpartum Mood Disorders: How to Assess Yourself for PPD
It’s Not Impossible to Thrive During the Holidays as a New Mom
Thriving during the holidays as a new mom is possible. You have to be willing to set boundaries and realistic expectations. Don’t push yourself to do things you don’t want to do or things that will take up too much of your energy. The most important thing right now is rest, good health, and bonding with your baby.
Use the tips above this holiday season and notice how much more relaxed you are. When you focus on what’s really important, it’s easy to enjoy the holidays. Take it one day at a time.
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