12 Days of Self-Care Ideas for Moms at Christmas
Discover 12 simple self-care ideas for moms at Christmas to stay peaceful and joyful during the holiday season. From spiritual practices to practical relaxation ideas, find encouragement to nurture your heart and keep Christ at the center of Christmas.
I love everything about Christmas. The lights, the festive spirit, the classic carols, cozy movies in front of the Christmas tree.
The Christmas season is a beautiful time of joy and celebration. But it also brings a long list of responsibilities and stressors.
Sometimes we crave peace, simplicity, and a deeper connection to the season. Here are 12 days of self-care tips designed especially for busy moms.
These self-care ideas for moms at Christmas will help you prioritize your well-being. But you’ll also strengthen your faith and savor the special moments with your family.
Each day, choose one tip and allow it to fill your heart and home with joy and renewal. Not only will you feel more peace and less stress, you’ll also feel closer to Jesus during this joyful season.
What is Self-Care?
We sometimes think of self-care as indulging ourselves with fancy treats and experiences. But in reality, self-care can be simple tasks we do every day to improve our well-being.
Taking care of yourself sometimes means taking a few minutes to put away some clutter, stepping away from stressful activities or expressing gratitude.
We’re so busy during the Christmas season. Trying so hard to make the season special and magical leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Our schedules are overfilled, and instead of joy, we only feel stress. Taking just a few minutes to practice self-care can make all the difference to your well-being this Christmas!
12 Days of Self-Care Ideas for Moms at Christmas
These self-care ideas are simple. In fact, you don’t even need to leave your house.
However, these tips will fill you with peace and joy and take away the stress!
Day 1: Practice Daily Gratitude
Start the day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. This simple habit can help you focus on the blessings of the season and keep a positive outlook, even amidst the holiday rush.
It’s easy to get caught up in all the hustle and bustle, and we miss all the good things. As we practice gratitude, our perspective changes.
Instead of focusing on the busyness, we can focus on the blessings.
Grab your printable gratitude journal here!
Day 2: Declutter Your Space
Holiday decorations often mean more stuff! Take a few minutes to tidy a high-traffic area in your home. A clean space can refresh your mind and help you feel calmer and more in control.
At Christmas, we bring tons of new products into our houses. Whether it’s decorations, toys or new gadgets, there’s stuff everywhere.
December is not the time to take on a whole-house declutter. But it is a great time to declutter small spaces like drawers or kids’ toys.
Related: 10-Day Christmas Cleaning Plan to Prepare for the Season
Day 3: Pray for Peace and Patience
Holiday stress can sometimes get the best of us. You want to be one of the happy Whoville Who’s. But instead, you’re more like a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
Take a few moments to pray for patience and peace as you navigate your responsibilities. And there can be a lot of them.
Be intentional in asking God to help you maintain a peaceful, patient heart this Christmas season.
Release any anxiety, trusting that God’s strength is enough to carry you through.
Get the “Ponder” Bible study to help you find peace in your heart this season.
Day 4: Indulge in a Holiday Treat
While you probably shouldn’t abandon all of your health goals during the Christmas season, it’s okay to indulge a little.
Enjoy a favorite holiday treat—hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, or a warm bowl of soup. Some of these treats only come around once a year. Enjoy them without guilt!
Taking time to savor a seasonal flavor is a small but effective way to nurture yourself.
Day 5: Create a Cozy Prayer Corner
When we start to get busy, we often feel like we don’t have time to spend with the Lord every day. But that’s when it’s most important!
Be intentional this December about praying and reading the Bible every day. Set up a cozy spot with a Bible, a journal, and maybe a candle.
Let this be your sanctuary where you spend a few quiet moments each day connecting with God. Check out this Advent Bible reading plan to help you consistently read God’s Word during the Christmas season.
Day 6: Say “No” to One Extra Task
Moms put so much pressure on themselves to make the Christmas season perfect for their kids and families. But at what cost?
Too often, we sacrifice our own sleep, sanity, and health to make the holidays “magical.”
This season, give yourself permission to let go of one unnecessary commitment. Whether it’s an event or a to-do item, saying “no” can create more room for joy and peace.
It’s okay to skip something you don’t love to do something you do love–even if that’s just watching a Candace Cameron Christmas Movie with your family!
Day 7: Spend Time Outdoors
Where I live in South Carolina, it’s not very cold at Christmas. But in many parts of the country, it’s getting pretty chilly.
We just want to stay inside beside our fire–even if that fire is video-looped on the TV! But our bodies need to get outside even when it’s cold.
So, bundle up and head outside! Even a short walk can help clear your mind, relieve stress, and lift your spirits. Plus, a little fresh air always does wonders for the soul.
Day 8: Meditate on the Story of Jesus’ Birth
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is to read through the book of Luke during December. Luke has twenty-four chapters, beginning with Jesus’ birth and ending with His resurrection.
It’s so powerful to wake up on Christmas Eve and read about Jesus rising from the dead. It’s a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the season.
Read through the Christmas story in Luke 2 with your family on Christmas Day. Reflecting on the miracle of Christ’s birth is a powerful reminder of God’s love. It’s a great way to remind our kids about the truth of Jesus’ birth.
Related: Free Printable December Scripture Writing Plan: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus
Day 9: Take a Power Nap
There are so many events and activities to attend in December. From Christmas caroling to school parties, it seems like something is going on every day.
If holiday festivities are wearing you down, don’t hesitate to recharge with a short nap. Taking time for rest is an important part of self-care, especially during busy seasons.
I like to lay down on my couch with a blanket for even twenty minutes in the afternoon. It’s often just what I need to get through the rest of my day!
Day 10: Give Back with a Joyful Heart
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to give the perfect gift to every person on our lists. and while we love it buying and giving, it can be stressful.
But buying or creating a special and unexpected gift can be rewarding, especially if it’s someone who isn’t able to return the gift.
Find a simple way to give back—a small donation, baking cookies for a neighbor, or writing an encouraging card. Acts of kindness lift our spirits and remind us of the joy of giving.
Day 11: Read an Encouraging Devotional
Spend a few minutes reading a short devotional or favorite Scripture. Focusing on God’s promises is a wonderful way to refuel your soul and reset your perspective.
I love Christmas devotionals because they are usually short and intended to be read in a few minutes each day. Reading about Jesus during the Christmas season is a great way to encourage our hearts in Christ.
Day 12: Light a Candle and Reflect
As Christmas draws near, light a candle and spend a few moments in stillness. Pray or simply enjoy the quiet, reflecting on the joy and peace Jesus brings into your life.
One of my favorite traditions is to spend one night sitting in the dark in front of my Christmas tree. I like to sip some hot tea or cocoa and just ponder the beauty of Christmas.
There’s so much going on, even these few minutes of reflection can bring peace to my heart.
You Don’t Have to Do It All
These 12 days of self-care ideas for moms at Christmas are a reminder that you don’t have to be everything to everyone during the holidays.
Embrace small moments to nurture your heart, strengthen your faith, and focus on the true joy of Christmas.
Let this season be a blessing for both you and your family as you celebrate the gift of Jesus, our Savior.
