Staying In Flow As A Mama This Winter

How to Make the Winter Holidays A Bit Easier & Joy Filled as a Mama

As mamas, the pressure of the holiday season can be real and exhausting.

We, of course, want to make it magical, but we still have all the other daily responsibilities to balance. Add in the fact that I’m pregnant with my third little one and due this winter, and let’s just say, I’ve been brainstorming ways to make this holiday season feel special without running myself into the ground.

Here’s what I’ve discovered: the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. By simplifying traditions, focusing on intentional moments, and taking care of ourselves, we can create a season that flows beautifully for the entire family.

Natural Stocking Stuffers for a Healthier Holiday

I’ll admit it—stocking stuffers have always been one of my favorite parts of the holidays. The last few years, I have been very intentional about what I tuck inside those stockings. You can shop my full natural stocking stuffer recommendations here! I want gifts that are fun, functional, and natural, so here’s what’s on my list:

Beeswax Crayons: These are a hit with little ones, and they’re safe, non-toxic, and encourage creativity.
Wooden Toys: Mini puzzles or stacking toys make adorable stocking fillers for toddlers and preschoolers.
Organic Candies: What is a stocking without something sweet? We still get excited about our sweets, I am just much more mindful about the ingredients.
Healthy Snacks: Think dried fruit, nut butter pouches, or even a holiday trail mix.
Reusable Sticker Pads: These are compact, mess-free, and perfect for on-the-go entertainment during family visits.
Seed Packets: For older kids, packets of wildflower or herb seeds are a fun way to look forward to spring.

Stocking stuffers don’t have to be over the top to be exciting. Simple, sustainable items can spark joy and align with your values.

Fun, Easy Educational Activities

This winter, I’ve been all about activities that keep the kids engaged and sneak in some learning. I know the holidays can get hectic, so having ready-to-go resources has been a game changer for our family.

That’s why I love using my Winter Educational Bundle. It’s packed with hands-on activities that are fun for the kids and simple for moms. From Arctic animal action games to creative problem-solving challenges, it’s perfect for snowy days when you want to keep the kids entertained without resorting to screen time.

Some of our favorite activities from the bundle include:

Acting like polar bears and seals during the action card game (so many giggles!).
Solving winter challenges for Arctic animals, which teach empathy and critical thinking.
Creating our own mini winter scenes with printable crafts.
Learning math and following directions with the holiday coffee shop game!

The best part? It’s all done for you. No complicated setups, just print and play! If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids learning and laughing this winter, grab the bundle here for just $9.

Sustainable DIY Ornaments: Festive Fun Without Overconsumption

This year, as I prepare for the holidays, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to make our celebrations feel magical without contributing to the overconsumption that’s so common during this season. One of my favorite ways to add a personal, eco-friendly touch to our holiday decor is by making DIY ornaments with the kids.

Our go-to material? Cardboard boxes! Not only are they easy to find (hello, all those online orders), but they’re also sturdy, versatile, and a great way to recycle.

Here are some of the ornaments we’ve made that you can try:

Handprint Reindeer: Trace little handprints onto cardboard, cut them out, and decorate them with paint or crayons to create adorable reindeer. Add a red pom-pom or a button for Rudolph’s nose!
Snowflakes: Cut cardboard into simple snowflake shapes and let the kids paint them white or silver. Sprinkle on some glitter while the paint is wet for an extra festive touch.
Mini Trees: Cut out triangle shapes, decorate them with scraps of fabric, buttons, or paper, and glue a small stick to the back to mimic a tree trunk.
Star Garland: Create stars of different sizes, punch a hole in the top of each, and string them together to make a garland for your tree or mantle.
Photo Frame Ornaments: Cut cardboard into small frames, decorate the edges, and glue a family photo to the back. These are so sweet to make year after year.

What I love most about these DIY projects is that they’re simple, affordable, and a meaningful way to spend time together as a family. Plus, the kids get so proud seeing their creations hanging on the tree!

By reusing materials we already have, we’re not only reducing waste but also teaching our children the value of creativity and sustainability. It’s a small but impactful way to make the holidays more festive and eco-friendly.

So, grab some cardboard, some paints, and maybe even your Winter Educational Bundle to keep the creative spirit alive—and let the ornament-making begin!

Staying Grounded as a Busy Mama

With two kids, a growing belly, and a never-ending to-do list, I’ve learned the hard way that I have to be a priority, too. The holidays can only flow smoothly if I’m taking care of myself. Here are a few ways I’m staying grounded this season:

Morning Moments of Peace: Before the house wakes up, I try to take 10 minutes for myself. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea, journaling, or just sitting quietly, this sets the tone for the day.
Gentle Movement: A short prenatal yoga session or even a walk outside, especially in the forest, (bundled up, of course!) helps me feel balanced. We also love putting on holiday music and having a dance party!
Simple Self-Care: I aim to journal and practice breath work every morning. For guided support in finding your flow and most aligned self care practices – join my course Finding Your Flow.
Boundaries Around Busyness: I’ve learned to say no to overcommitting. If it’s not adding joy to our family, it’s not worth the stress. We do not need to overspend, over schedule, or over give for the holiday to be special – making ornaments, baking, and the basics are more than enough to create holiday magic.
Family Connection Rituals: Every morning, we eat together, share something we’re grateful for, then snuggle up with a holiday book. It’s such a calming way to start the day and get in the holiday mood. We also love making homemade hot chocolate and putting on a holiday movie on the weekends.

Mamas, remember this: You set the mood for your home. Taking a few moments for yourself every day, aligning with the energy you want your home to have, isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Focus on ease and flow rather than the busyness and over commitment that often comes with the holidays.

This holiday season, my mantra is flow, not perfection. Whether it’s choosing natural stocking stuffers, using easy resources like the Winter Educational Bundle, or carving out a little self-care time, the goal is to enjoy the season with your family, not stress about it.

Let’s give ourselves permission to make things easier this year. The best holiday memories are made from love, not perfection.

What are your go-to tips for creating a magical yet manageable holiday season? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear!

With love,
Birdie Wood

Wild Motherhood