Preventing Holiday Burnout for Homeschool Moms

Ho, ho, ho! 'Tis the season to be jolly, right? Well, not if you're a homeschool mom juggling a million holiday to-dos alongside teaching quadratic equations. Amidst the merry madness, it's easy to find yourself sipping eggnog with one hand while desperately clutching at your last shred of sanity with the other.

Every year around October I feel like I hit a wall and I realize it's because its the kick-off of the holiday season. Now added to my list of recitals and soccer games or pumpkin patches, Halloween parties, decorating, costume shopping, and more.

Don't get me wrong I absolutely love the holidays and all the activities it brings, but I found myself not enjoying them anymore. They became work. Sure I was doing the work creating the magic for my kids who in a blink of an eye won't care about this stuff anymore. But I didn't want it to be work anymore I wanted to truly enjoy this time with my kiddos and take it all in.

So if you are like me and nodding your head right now, saying yes, girl! I feel the exact same way, then here is what we need to do:

Prevent Holiday Burnout by Staying Organized

Let's face it - lists are the lifelines of our sanity. Take charge by creating lists for everything from gift shopping to lesson planning. Santa's not the only one making a list and checking it twice! Remember, checking off tasks feels better than finding that missing ornament you swore was in the storage box.

And if you need help staying organized make sure to grab your Teach Like A Mutha Digital Planner!

Prevent Holiday Burnout by Embracing the Magic of Saying "No"

One of the best lessons I ever learned was that No is a full sentence. We don't have to explain or clarify we are allowed to just say NO.

While the season screams "spread cheer," it's also okay to spread a little "no" here and there. You're not Santa, and you don't have his magic workshop (or his team of elves). Politely decline the fifth-holiday party invitation and save your energy for that impromptu living room dance party with the kids. Prioritizing your peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself.

Prevent Holiday Burnout by Ditching Perfection

Ditch the elaborate craft projects and decorations that scream Pinterest perfection. Oooh, I am guilty of this one. With social media showing you all of the perfectly curated trees and decorations and projects, it is so easy to get caught up.

Opt for activities that genuinely bring you joy. If you're a little type A (like me)🙈 it's Ok to want to have things look pretty and put together. Just don't let the pursuit of it steal your joy.

Prevent Holiday Burnout by Planning Some "Me Time" (Yes, Really)

Schedule in moments where you can be more than a mom or a teacher - when you can be you. Whether it's savoring a peppermint mocha in a coffee shop, binge-watching a cheesy holiday movie, or having a relaxing bubble bath, give yourself the gift of guilt-free "me time."

Believe me I know how hard this can be to do. How do you walk away when you have a million things to do?! But you ever notice how once you are away from your kids you start to miss them and think of the little cute things they do or funny things they say. That's because you have stepped out of the hurricane of Motherhood into a moment of stillness. It gives you time to reflect and appreciate. Things that can be difficult to do when you are constantly breaking up fights and wiping butts.

So as hard as it may be, give yourself the gift of "Me Time" this holiday season!

Prevent Holiday Burnout by Turning Chaos into Quality Time

When life hands you chaos, turn it into a chaotic family bonding extravaganza! Let the kids help with wrapping presents (even if it looks like a paper tornado hit), or turn dinner prep into a fun game. Embrace the mess, the laughter, and the imperfect memories in the making. These are the holiday moments that will become your family's legendary tales!

Remember You Control Your Schedule

One of the reasons I love year-round homeschooling is because it gives us the flexibility to slow down and take breaks as needed guilt-free! One of the best ways to prevent holiday burnout in homeschool moms is to create a holiday schedule!!

Take a break, shorten your weeks do whatever works for your family, and help make the holiday season special. We get a short season with our babies at home with us during these years so optimize this time to work for you!

The holiday season doesn't have to be a one-way ticket to Burnout. By mastering the art of organized chaos and embracing imperfections, you can glide through the festivities like a homeschool supermom, ready to conquer whatever equations or fruitcakes come your way.

Remember, you're more than just a holiday magician; you're the glue that holds the merriment together. So go forth, jingle all the way, and keep that festive sparkle alive!