8 Ways to Tap Into the Holiday Spirit as a Busy (Disabled) Mama

If you’re looking at your calendar and feeling like the next few weeks are going to be absolutely jam-packed, you’re not wrong.

As a parent to a disabled child, the end of the year is HECTIC. It’s a scramble to try to use our benefits before the end of the year, squeezing in those last OT & PT sessions before our therapists go on vacation and trying to get all of her prosthetic adjustments done before the new year. Not to mention all the normal stuff–travel, social obligations, decorating, gift purchasing, and work stuff I need to finish before the end of the year, so the idea of completing everything on my to-do list and still showing up with some holiday spirit seems……..impossible. I tend to look up the day before Christmas Eve and wonder “What happened to celebrating the holidays?” This year I want to be more focused on finding creative ways to embrace all this season has to offer without throwing my to-do list out the window. Here are a few ways to tap into the holiday spirit, even if you feel like you’re booked solid until 2024.

1. Stroll around the neighborhood with a festive beverage in hand.

It’s always fun to take a walk around the neighborhood and admire all the holiday lights on display (and maybe hand deliver your Christmas cards to your neighbors). Whip up your favorite hot chocolate or simply stop by Starbucks for a Peppermint Mocha, then take a little stroll and soak up the season. Bonus: This is a great way to get some steps in at the end of a busy work day, too!

2. Volunteer for a good cause.

Doing things for others will never fail to boost your spirits. Even if you can’t dedicate an entire day, there are plenty of volunteer slots that span just a couple of hours. If you can spare some time after work to walk dogs at your local shelter or wrap gifts for kids in need, you’ll be making a difference. And who knows, you may just make a friend in the process—volunteer groups are an excellent way to network and expand your social circle!

3. Host a weeknight holiday movie night with friends.

Maybe you don’t have time for a weekend away with the girls, but that’s OK! Invite a few friends over on a weeknight to catch the latest cheesy Hallmark holiday movie or revisit a classic, like Home Alone or The Holiday. Have everyone wear their coziest pjs and slippers. To make it easy on you, ask everyone to bring their favorite holiday snack to share with the group. Pick up a few bottles of cider and you’re good to go!

4. Arrange a holiday bouquet.

I’m a firm believer in not waiting for someone to buy you flowers. And what better way to (easily) deck the halls than creating a quick holiday bouquet. Head to Trader Joe’s and scoop up some seasonal florals that match your vibe, then go home, put on some holiday tunes, and go to town making your own festive arrangement. Bonus points–make a second one and drop it off for your neighbor who’s spouse is deployed.

5. Bake your heart out.

If spending time in the kitchen helps you decompress, be sure to take some time to whip up a yummy holiday treat. Pop on some cheerful music or a holiday movie in the background to make it extra festive. Then drop off cookies for your elderly neighbors, the secretary at your kids school, or your building management to brighten their day.

6. Book dinner at a festive restaurant.

Back in the fall, you might have had every intention of hosting a holiday party this season… but as December gets closer, you’re realizing that your weekends are fully booked. Why not plan a mid-week night out at a festive restaurant with some of your favorite people? Take to Instagram to find a spot that’s fully decked out for the season, jump on Open Table, and text the group chat!

7. Read a holiday-themed book.

There are so many fun rom-com-type books that take place during the holidays. Stop by your local library and pick up a few festive favorites like One Day in December, The Santa Suit, The Christmas Bookshop or Bright Lights, Big Christmas to get started. These page-turners all celebrate the magic of the season and will make you feel like you’re living out your own wintery Hallmark movie.