Recently, I spent the weekend helping a friend move into her new house, and let me tell you—it was eye-opening.
She had duplicates of almost everything. And it instantly reminded me of what so many of us do at Christmas.
Most of us moms go into December on autopilot. We shop without a plan, pile on too many activities, and overcommit until the holiday magic feels more like holiday madness.
But Christmas doesn’t have to feel this way.
If you’re ready to cut the chaos and focus on what actually matters, here are four holiday resets that will help you enjoy more peace, presence, and joy this season.
Reset 1: Take Inventory First
“When you start from inventory, you buy with intention.”
My friend had duplicate dishes, gadgets, and supplies, not because she needed them, but because she didn’t have a system.
And moms, this is us at Christmas.
We stock up on wrapping paper we already own.
We grab extra stocking stuffers and forget about the ones in the closet.
We pile up pantry staples “just in case,” only to find five duplicates later.
The fix? Take inventory first.
- Pull out your wrapping supplies.
- Peek into the pantry.
- Check your gift closet or bin.
Write down what you already have before you buy a single thing.
Ten minutes of inventory can save you not just money, but stress and clutter too.
Reset 2: Protect Your Top 3 Traditions
“For years, I thought I had to do it all to make Christmas magical.”
I packed the calendar with activities, decorated the whole house, bought all the gifts, sent the cards, and burned myself out.
Then I asked my kids what traditions mattered most.
Their answers? Simple: baking cookies, watching movies, and driving around to see lights.
That was my wake-up call.
The truth is, your family’s favorite traditions probably aren’t the “extra” things that drain you.
They’re the small, simple moments.
This year, choose your top three traditions and protect them like appointments you can’t miss. Let the rest be optional.
Reset 3: Make a “Not This Year” List
“Every ‘no’ creates space for a better ‘yes.’”
Every December, the list grows longer—school programs, office parties, church events, volunteering, decorating, shopping, baking, cards… it never ends.
But here’s the truth: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
That’s why you need a Not This Year List.
Take five minutes, write out all the things you think you’re “supposed” to do this Christmas, and cross off at least three. Maybe it’s:
- Not sending cards this year.
- Not hosting dinner.
- Not doing the neighborhood cookie swap.
You don’t need permission to say no. You just need to decide.
Because saying “not this year” doesn’t make you less of a mom, it makes you more present.
Reset 4: Build in Downtime
“Downtime isn’t wasted time. It’s what makes Christmas magical.”
Most of us collapse into Christmas morning exhausted. We’ve checked every box but have no energy left to enjoy it.
Rest doesn’t just happen. If you don’t plan for it, December will eat it alive.
This year, build it in:
- Write “Christmas movie night” on the calendar.
- Block out “lazy Saturday at home.”
- Schedule a “do nothing afternoon.”
Your kids won’t remember the things you skipped. They’ll remember the nights in pajamas, sipping cocoa, watching Home Alone.
And you’ll remember too, because you’ll have the energy to be present.
Recap
Here’s your holiday reset in a nutshell:
- Take inventory first—use what you already have.
- Protect your top 3 traditions—these are what your kids will remember.
- Make a “Not This Year” list—say no to what doesn’t serve you.
- Build in downtime—rest is part of the magic.
When you follow these resets, Christmas becomes lighter, calmer, and more joyful.
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