Hanukkah candles. Christmas lights. School concerts. Travel plans. Gift lists. Sticky fingers. Loud toys. Late nights.
The holidays are magical… and also a lot.
If you’re feeling stretched thin this season, this is your gentle reminder: you matter too. Taking care of yourself doesn’t require a weekend away or a perfectly silent house (though wouldn’t that be nice?). Sometimes it’s just finding small pockets of calm inside the chaos.
Here are 33 realistic, doable ways to take care of yourself during Hanukkah and Christmas — even with kids home, schedules packed, and your to-do list overflowing.
🌿 Simple, Everyday Self-Care (That Actually Fits Mom Life)
- Make a cup of tea or coffee and drink it while it’s still hot
- Step outside for 5 minutes of fresh air
- Light a candle — even in the middle of the day
- Put your phone down for a set amount of time
- Stretch for 3 minutes before bed
- Take a shower without rushing
- Listen to music YOU love (even if it’s K Pop Demon Hunters - judgement free zone here)
- Write a short to-do list (then cross one thing off)
- Wear something cozy you love
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier
💪 Move Your Body (Gently or Powerfully — Your Choice)
- Go for a walk around the block
- Do a quick workout at home
- Stretch while the kids play nearby
- Dance in the kitchen
- Try a low-pressure workout (even 10 minutes counts)
Movement doesn’t have to be intense — it just needs to make you feel better.
🛁 Feel-Good Treats (Because You Deserve Them)
- Use the fancy face mask you’ve been saving
- Apply body lotion slowly (yes, slowly!)
- Upgrade your pajamas
- Enjoy a glass of wine, mocktail, or cozy drink of choice
- Order yourself something small but special
✨ This is where our [ShopMy page] comes in — it’s full of mom-approved, feel-good favorites we truly love. A little treat for yourself can go a long way during the holidays.
🧠 Mental Breaks (The Ones That Keep You Sane)
- Say “no” to one thing this week (at least one!)
- Let go of perfection — good enough is enough
- Write down at least one thing you’re grateful for in the morning - start the day thankful
- Take a few deep breaths before reacting
- Remind yourself: this season is temporary
🧸 Create Space for You (Without Guilt)
- Let the kids play independently
- Don’t overschedule every day
- Put on a podcast or audiobook you love
- Ask for help — and accept it
- Take a break without explaining yourself
🧡 The Secret Weapon: Keep Kids Busy, Mama Rests
- Set kids up with screen-free activities - did someone say BUGGY BAGS?!
- Enjoy quiet time while they’re happily occupied
- Give yourself permission to sit and rest
This is exactly why we created Buggy Bags.
Our bags are designed to keep kids busy, creative, and entertained — whether you’re home, traveling, hosting, or out to dinner — so you can enjoy a real break. No screens. Minimal mess. Maximum calm.
✨ While kids are coloring, crafting, and creating…
✨ Mama gets a moment to breathe.
A Gentle Reminder:
You don’t need to do all 33.
Even one small act of care can shift your whole day.
So light the candle.
Sip the tea.
Move your body.
Treat yourself.
Set the kids up with a Buggy Bag.
And take a moment to enjoy the season — you deserve it.
👉 Shop our favorite self-care finds on our ShopMy page
👉 Shop Buggy Bags to keep kids busy while you take a break
You’re doing an amazing job — even on the messy, loud, chaotic days. 🤍