‘Tis the season to be jolly, right? Well, not if you’re a mom-writer caught in the whirlwind of holiday chaos while trying to meet deadlines, market your latest book, and wear more hats than Santa himself. It’s easy to get swept up in the never-ending to-do list; but what if I told you that it’s okay to give yourself the gift of simply being a mom, especially during this festive season? After all, the magic of the holidays is meant to be shared and cherished with loved ones. So, let’s jingle those bells, swap our laptops for taco shells (figuratively, of course), and rediscover the joy of being present with our families.

Let Go of Made-Up Time Horizons

One of the challenges we mom-writers often face is the self-imposed pressure of meeting goals before the year’s end. We set deadlines for ourselves, convinced that we need to achieve a laundry list of writing-related tasks before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. But guess what? Those deadlines are mostly arbitrary and entirely negotiable.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of time. Let go of the made-up time horizons. That blog post you wanted to finish, the social-media campaign you thought was imperative, or that elusive word-count target can all wait. In the grand scheme of things, a few extra days or weeks won’t matter.

Instead, free up your calendar for the best kind of playdate: quality time with your children. Build gingerbread houses, make snow angels, or simply savor the warmth of a cup of cocoa by the fireplace. Give yourself permission to release the pressure and just be a mom. The work can wait; the memories you create with your family can’t.

Carve Out Time for Your Loved Ones

In the midst of your bustling writing career, it’s easy to blur the boundaries between work and family life. Emails, edits, and endless revisions can encroach on precious moments with your children. But this holiday season, it’s time to set some firm boundaries.

Carve out specific blocks of time for your loved ones and make them non-negotiable. Whether it’s a festive family dinner, watching holiday classics together, or taking an evening stroll to admire the twinkling lights in your neighborhood, these moments are invaluable.

Remember, work will always be there; but your child’s wonderment at the sight of a beautifully lit Christmas tree or their giggles as they open their presents are fleeting and precious. So put your writing aside, at least temporarily; and soak in the joy of being present with your family.

Plan Something Fun

Who says that being a mom-writer means you can’t have fun too? In the hustle and bustle of deadlines and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget the pure, unadulterated fun that comes with parenthood.

This holiday season, plan something fun. As for me and my house, we will build the Lego! There’s something magical about creating a miniature world with those colorful interlocking bricks. So, set aside the laptop, shut off your work notifications, and dive into the world of imaginative play with your little ones.

Maybe it’s building a Lego winter wonderland or having a spirited snowball fight in the living room (with soft, plush snowballs, of course). Whatever it is, make it a joyful experience that both you and your children will treasure.

Play. Rest. Breathe.

In the frenzy of juggling your roles as a mom, a writer, and a multitasking marvel, it’s essential to remember that being a mom is not only about taking care of your children’s physical needs. It’s also about nurturing their emotional well-being and creating lasting memories together.

So, this holiday season, give yourself permission to let go of unnecessary time constraints, set boundaries around your family time, and most importantly, plan something fun. Jingle those bells, savor those taco shells, and find the time to simply be a mom. The work can wait, but these moments with your family are what truly matter.

Let the warmth of the season embrace you; and remember that the magic of the holidays is not in the completion of tasks, but in the togetherness of loved ones. Enjoy the festivities, dear mom-writer, and make these moments count.