1. The Pressure to Be Perfect
The holidays often come with high expectations—attending every party, visiting relatives, or taking part in every holiday activity. It can feel like there’s a "perfect" way to celebrate, and if you don’t do everything, you’re missing out.
But there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday. Trying to meet unrealistic standards can leave you feeling stressed and drained. Instead of stressing over making everything “perfect,” focus on what truly matters to your family. Choose the activities that will bring the most joy and let go of the rest. Your family doesn’t need to do everything to have a great holiday.
2. Setting Boundaries for Family Time
It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of events and obligations during the holidays. However, if you’re attending every party or gathering, you might miss out on the moments that matter most, like playing board games with your kids or watching a holiday movie together.
Set boundaries on how many events you’ll attend and prioritize those that will help you create lasting memories. Quiet nights at home can be just as meaningful as big parties. Family time is just as important as socializing.
3. The Fear of Missing Out Is Real for Parents Too
FOMO isn’t just for kids. Parents feel it too. We often want to be at every event, be part of every family gathering, and not miss out on any holiday fun. But trying to be everywhere at once can lead to burnout. It’s okay to say no.
Saying no allows you to focus on what really matters—spending time with your family, resting, or enjoying the holiday season in a way that feels right for you. By saying no, you’re also teaching your kids about the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of themselves.
4. Letting Go of Guilt
Saying no to an event can make parents feel guilty. We don’t want to disappoint anyone, and it’s easy to feel like we’re letting someone down. But the truth is, saying no isn’t a bad thing. It’s about making sure you’re taking care of yourself and your family. Saying yes to everything might leave you feeling drained, which takes away from your ability to enjoy the holiday season.
Instead of feeling guilty, remind yourself that saying no helps you stay healthy, happy, and present for the moments that matter. Your family will appreciate the time you spend with them, even if it means saying no to other things.
5. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
One of the best parts of the holidays is creating memories with your family. But you don’t need to do everything to make the season special. It’s not about attending every event or completing every tradition. It’s about the moments you share together.
Rather than filling your schedule with too many activities, think about the ones that will bring joy to your family. Whether it’s baking cookies together, going ice skating, or having a quiet dinner, these small moments are often the ones that create the best memories.
6. Involve Your Kids in the Planning
To avoid over-scheduling, try involving your kids in the holiday planning. Ask them what activities they want to do and what traditions they enjoy. This way, you can focus on the things that matter most to them.
Involving your kids also gives them a sense of ownership over the holiday season. They’ll feel excited about the activities they choose and you’ll save time on the events they decide to skip this time around.
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Parenting through the holidays doesn’t mean you have to over-schedule or feel obligated to do everything. Saying no to events and obligations can help you protect your family’s well-being and create space for what truly matters. By setting boundaries, letting go of guilt, and focusing on quality time, you can enjoy the holidays without the stress.
This holiday season, embrace the power of saying no. Make time for rest, family bonding, and the small moments that make the season special. After all, it’s not about doing it all—it’s about enjoying the moments you have.
About the Author:
Heather Sakai has been a member of the Bright Beginnings team since early 2022, serving as the Social Media Engagement Coordinator. She holds a Master of Science in Social Service Administration and a Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University. Heather brings experience in social work and mood disorders research, marketing and social media, as well as dance instruction for children and adults in both the United States and abroad.
Passionate about connecting people through social media, Heather strives to make it a safe space to ask questions, be vulnerable, and share successes and struggles. She is also the administrator of Cuyahoga Parents Connect and warmly invites you to join if you are a parent or caregiver of a child from birth to kindergarten, or if you are expecting a child.