How to Not Lose Your Sanity in December: While Keeping Kids Alive and the Cookies Burn-Free

Oh, December—the month when time speeds up, patience runs out, and your calendar looks like it’s been attacked by glitter and chaos.

If you're juggling kids' school madness, holiday prep, travel, baking, and trying not to scream into a gingerbread pillow, here’s your practical, sanity-saving game plan.

1. Pick 3 Priorities

Choose what actually matters most to you this month.

• Making special memories with your kids

• Keeping travel peaceful

• Not baking 37 batches of cookies

2. Have a Visible Calendar

Print it, color-code it, tattoo it—just get it where you can see it.

• School spirit week themes

• Class parties

• Travel dates

• Shopping deadlines

• YOU time (yes, schedule that too)

3. Shop Early. Online. In Pajamas.

Amazon Prime and grocery pickup and delivery are your besties.

• Get gifts and supplies early and ship them directly

• Create a “gift station” in a closet or bin with

  • Gifts as they arrive

  • Wrapping supplies

  
  

4. Bake Strategically

• Pick 1 or 2 signature recipes

• Freeze dough ahead

• Buy store-bought dough for kids to decorate.

5. Simplify Travel

• Pack early and use packing cubes

• Ship bulky gifts ahead

• Download shows/games for the kids and for you

• Bring snacks. So many snacks.

6. Say No Without Guilt

You’re allowed to:

• Skip events

• Say no to cookie swaps

• Decline being the class party craft coordinator

Bottom Line:

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Laugh when it goes sideways, take shortcuts, and remember: your kids won’t remember the chaos. They’ll remember that you showed up with hot cocoa in hand.