As much as I love the holidays, they can take a real toll on the mental health of moms.
How to Have a Calm-ish Holiday Season:
1.Your joy is important.
Moms are usually the memory-makers, which can mean we end up exhausted long before the magic happens. Niro reminded us that emotions are contagious—so when we’re calm and joyful, our families feel that energy too. Even five minutes of something that centers you each day—a quiet cup of tea, a candle, a devotional, or a few lines in your journal—can reset your mind and ripple through your home.
2. A year of yes necessitates a year of no.
Every meaningful yes requires a few kind no’s. If you’ve ever felt drained by the weight of too many “good things,” it’s time to reevaluate what really matters this season. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish—it means you’re protecting your peace so you can show up fully for what matters most. Try letting one thing go this year and notice the space it creates for joy to grow.
3. Seasons of parenting shift quickly, so presence is a priority.
The holidays can magnify how quickly our kids are changing. Niro shared that one of the greatest gifts we can give our families is our attention—putting down the phone, taking a breath, and noticing the moment as it’s happening. When we start training our minds to see the good, we build the kind of memories that last far beyond this year’s to-do list.
If you’re feeling the pull to slow down and savor this season before it slips away, my Flecks of Gold Journal is one of the simplest ways I know to stay grounded. It’s not another task—it’s a mental health tool for moms who want to notice what’s already good.
During our Slow-vember Sale, you can take $5 off every journal, including our brand-new camel vegan leather edition (it’s soft, timeless, and one of my favorites yet). Two minutes a day can help you feel calmer, more present, and a little more calm-ish—even when life gets loud.
💜 Shop the Flecks of Gold Journal here.
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What did you think of Niro’s takeaways to help with mental health for moms this holiday season? Comment below!
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Related Episodes like this one on Holiday Mental Health for Moms:
About our Guest:
Niro Feliciano is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, and national media commentator. She holds a masters degree from Columbia University and has been in private practice for 20 years. She is the author of the TODAY.com column “Is This Normal?” and you can often see her on the Today Show and NBC News Now. Niro has also been interviewed in national publications such as the New York Times, Parents.Com, Oprah Daily, InStyle, Real Simple Magazine, and more, sharing tips and strategies around mental health and parenting. She is the author of ALL IS CALMish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays and This Book Won’t Make You Happy: 8 Keys to Finding True Contentment. A first-generation Sri Lankan American, Niro lives with her husband Ed and four kids in Connecticut.
Get in Touch with Our Guest:
- Instagram: @nirofeliciano
- Website: nirofeliciano.com
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