As the season of twinkling lights and jingle bells arrives, chances are you—yes, you, the mom orchestrating it all—are already juggling a dozen lists in your head. You’re planning the cookie-bake, coordinating outfits, mapping travel, hiding last-minute presents, setting the scene for that “perfect” moment. But here’s what many forget: the holiday isn’t only for everyone else. It’s for you, too.

Why you feel “left out”

It’s not just you. Many moms carry the bulk of the holiday ‘mental load’—the invisible checklist of tasks, decorations, gift-wrapping, event-planning and emotional labour.

• According to one article: “It’s 10 pm on a mid-December night and I finally rest my head… and then it starts: the automatic and instinctual mental checking of all the boxes.” Scary Mommy

• Experts note: “Mothers in particular carry a disproportionate share of the mental load associated with holiday planning … many feel anxious, depressed, resentful and overwhelmed.” Parents+1

• And from a practical guide: “Simplify your to-do list and reclaim your holiday magic… say no guilt-free and create space for what fills your heart.” Psychology Today+1

In short: you’re doing everything so it looks effortless. But inside? You may feel like you’re missing the moments you hope to enjoy.

What it looks like when you’re present

Imagine one evening this holiday: the house softly lit with your favourite festive lights, the kids dressed in cosy PJs, the playlist of carols humming softly, and you—watching the littlest one’s eyes widen at the tree. Not because you planned it to perfection, but because you let it happen. You’re there. You’re enjoying it. You’re in it.

3 ways to reclaim your holiday joy

Here are gentle, realistic shifts to help you move from doing it all to being part of it.

1. Delegate & lighten the load

Hand off tasks—wrapping can be a family affair, decorating can be simplified, baking doesn’t require perfection. One writer shared:

“I will make cheese plates… the rest of the family decompresses … and afterwards I will relive each interaction in my brain.” Scary Mommy
Delegate, ask for help, split roles. It reduces burnout. The Everymom

2. Shift expectations

Give yourself permission to skip some of the “must-haves” and focus on the “must-feel-good”. From a “Don’t-Do List” approach:

“We don’t need a perfect holiday—we just need you.” Psychology Today
So maybe you skip the extra dessert tray, simplify the décor, and plan one activity you truly love.

3. Design ‘mom-just-for-me’ moments

Block out small pockets of time where you’re not the host, you’re simply present. Grab a favourite blanket and popcorn, play a holiday movie, let others handle the rest. Create a cozy corner where you relax while the kids or family play games or make memories.

How your décor can help you show up

The good news? You don’t have to set the whole stage solo. Your Christmas Party Supplies collection can do heavy lifting so you don’t. A few naturally festive items can let you relax, host simply, and then sit back.

Here are some things you can pick out to support your “be-present” mode:

• Believe Reindeer + Bells Christmas Banner Set — A quick banner adds holiday cheer to one wall or space without hours of decorating.

• Meri Meri Jolly Christmas Santa Plates — Fun disposable plates so you can ditch that sink-full of dishes and move to the couch early.

• Christmas Coquette Bow Premium Small Paper Party Plates — Stylish little plates for snack time while you lounge with a book or your phone closed.
  (This list is generic, but you can link to similar ones in your own store’s collection.)

By choosing décor that’s easy and beautiful, you lessen the prep-stress and bring in the aesthetics and the ease.

A note to you, mom

You are not just the planner. You are the heart of the holiday. The moments your kids will remember most aren’t the perfect photo album; they’re the warmth you gave, the laughter you shared, the ability to pause and watch the snow fall. So this year… let one less thing be on your list. Let someone else handle the wrapping or the playlist. Let yourself sit with cocoa while the tree lights glow. Let the décor be just good enough—and let your presence be perfect.

Because this Christmas, the magic isn’t in the decorations or the perfect menu. It’s in you.

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At Nubby’s World, we celebrate the moments—the playful breaks, the messy matching-PJs, the family games, and yes, even the relaxed pauses. If you want help browsing décor, finding simple game-sets, or setting up a swap-task list for your partner, drop me a note.

Here’s to you this holiday—relaxed, joyful, and truly present. 🎁
— Nubby’s World Team