Go Easy on Yourself This Festive Season, Mama (Seriously, Please Do)

Okay friend, let’s talk about December.
Because every year we go in with big intentions — magical memories, cosy traditions, gentle parenting through every sugar-fuelled meltdown…

And then reality hits.
Someone’s crying, someone’s sticky, someone’s overtired, and someone (you) is wondering why you thought making festive crafts with glitter was a good idea.

So let’s just say it together:
Go easy on yourself this festive season.

December Is Basically a Toddler in Month Form

It’s chaotic. Excitable. Overstimulating. Loud. Unexpectedly emotional.
And honestly? That’s just us mums.

Our little ones feel it all too — so if gentle parenting starts to look more like you whispering “I’m calm, I’m calm” while doing deep breathing over a toy-covered floor…
you’re still doing amazing.

Friend-to-Friend Tips (Because We’re Surviving This Together)

1. Lower the festive bar. Like… all the way down.

Nobody needs a picture-perfect Christmas.
Your kids want YOU — not Pinterest-level elf adventures.
If all you manage is hot chocolate and a Christmas film, you’ve nailed it.

2. Pick tiny traditions, not huge tasks.

One special thing repeated is way more magical than fifteen things you resent doing.
A walk round a Christmas market?
A festive book at bedtime?
A drive in the car to see people’s crazy Christmas light decor? 

Done. Gold star.

3. Snacks are the real Christmas miracle.

Most meltdowns can be solved with food, for them and us.
Pop a biscuit and packet of crisps in your pocket like the wise mother you are.

4. Know when it’s time to bail.

Overstimulated child?
Overstimulated mum?
Ireland-level humidity in the soft play?
Leave.
No explanation necessary.

5. Say “no” without guilt.

“No, we’re not going to the fourth Christmas market this week.”
“No, I’m not making homemade gingerbread.”
“No, we’re not seeing Santa again — he knows where we live.”
Protect that peace, babe.

They’ll Remember the Feeling, Not the Fancy Stuff

Kids don’t care if everything matches, sparkles, or looks Instagram-ready.
They remember being loved, warm, safe… and probably covered in chocolate.

So if this season is magical, messy, loud, silly, cosy, imperfect —
you’re doing it right.

And if it all gets too much?
Hide in the kitchen with a mince pie.
Call it “gentle parenting for mums.”

You’ve got this. Honestly.