Have Yourself a Peaceful Little Christmas!
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year! “
“Merry and Bright!”
“Laughing all the way!”
“Peace on earth, goodwill to men!”
There are so many joyous and fun-filled songs, verses and sayings this time of year! So much sparkle, so much activity! And if I have to go to one more Christmas party… I might scream!
I often feel like the above disgruntled kitty this time of year!
Let’s be honest. This holiday season can be hard for many. It may be filled with reminders of loss, or broken relationships. It’s a season where fun activities and celebrations can quickly turn into what feels like obligation, toil and pure will power. Just for fun, let’s toss in those uninvited guests called hormones (yippie)!
You just had a baby. A sweet little bundle of joy that needs you every minute (especially when you are trying to sleep). You are exhausted and feeling more like the Grinch then Elf and smelling more like sour milk than gingerbread and candy canes. You know you can’t do it all this year but feel guilty if you don’t. You just want a little peace and goodwill but feel like stuffing the Christmas tree up the chimney if you have to hear about one more Christmas wish! It’s also the darkest time of year. We are desperate for vitamin D and light but dread going out in the icy cold. Toss in cold and flu season and the only thing that looks bright is our children’s Rudolph noses from constant snotty colds.
If you are saying “Amen!” to any or all of the above, you are in the majority, not minority. You. Are. Not. Alone! So, what does a ”Merry” little Christmas look like to you? What are we needing most this time of year? I may be crazy, but I honestly believe that every postpartum mom (and every other human being for that matter) craves peace. “Peace in my space and goodwill toward my family, please!” But how??
Here’s a little Christmas magic from Ada’s Gift Doulas! It comes from the heart and is our gift to you this season! It’s our own Christmas peace list! Tada!
Say “Not this year!” to 1 ore more activities or holiday “things” that do not bring you peace and joy (I guarantee you and everyone else in your life will be better for it).
Can we talk about gifts? Simplify! You just had a baby! Your baby is your extended family’s gift! (Idea stolen from a client! Thanks, L.J.!)
Get outside and go for a walk! The Scandinavians swear by it and who would know better than the people who have to live in semidarkness and cold half the year?)
Light! Spend 20 minutes every morning in front of a “Happy Light” or light therapy lamp. I can tell a difference in my mood when I am faithful in this practice.
Be kind to yourself and your family by picking one selfcare activity you do daily and make someone special hold you accountable to it. Alone time, warm bath, listening to music (doesn’t have to be Christmas music either… gasp!), getting together with your friends, alone time reading, doing something quiet, alone… without a baby or child climbing all over you. There is a theme here! Whatever helps you breathe and enjoy life, do it!
Your body is depleted because you just had a baby. Breastfeeding on top of that also requires extra calories and rest. You need nourishment Complex carbs like sweat potatoes and squash, dark green veggies, quality protein likes eggs and grass-fed meats, and healthy fats are so important! Feed yourself well and you will feel better about the world. Great postpartum meal ideas HERE!
Seasonal depression is real, and it can amplify postpartum depression in so many ways! Talk to trusted souls if you are struggling! Don’t ignore depression, thinking it will get better! Your mental health and peace are immensely important! Grab this tried-and-true resource for your Christmas mental health and peace.
May you feel loved, warm, hopeful and full of peace this holiday season and in 2026! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Peace and Hope- Joy and Bethany
