Be present and enjoy this Christmas

Why the moments matter more than the to-do list

Christmas is upon us, and with it comes the never-ending to-do list: gifts to buy, meals to plan, cards to write, decorations to hang, and let’s not forget running your business and keeping everything afloat. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, as if you’re trying to juggle too many baubles on the Christmas tree. But amidst all the hustle, there’s a question we rarely pause to ask ourselves:

How will you remember this Christmas?

More importantly, how will your children remember it?

Why this Christmas matters

We only get a certain number of Christmases with our children while they’re young. There’s magic in their wide-eyed wonder as they race to the tree, the joy in their laughter as they tear open gifts, and the warmth of those cosy moments spent baking cookies or watching Christmas movies together.

But here’s the truth: that magic doesn’t wait for us to finish our work emails, tidy the house, or cross everything off our list. It’s happening now, in the small, fleeting moments of connection, laughter + joy. Moments we can’t press rewind on.

As mums in business, we pour so much into creating a perfect Christmas, yet the most perfect gift we can give our children + ourselves – is our presence.

The gift of presence not presents

This Christmas, I invite you to step back from the overwhelm and ask yourself what really matters. Is it the picture-perfect table setting, or is it laughing with your kids as you make the messiest gingerbread house ever?

Here’s how you can be intentional and embrace the magic of the season:

1. Let go of perfection

Your kids don’t care if the tree is perfectly symmetrical or if the wrapping paper matches the ribbons. What they’ll remember are the giggles, the funny moments and memories you create together. Choose connection over perfection every time.

2. Prioritise moments over milestones

It’s easy to focus on the “big” moments like Christmas morning or a family dinner. But the real magic happens in the quiet in-between moments: reading a Christmas story before bed, dancing to carols in the kitchen, or snuggling under a blanket with hot chocolate watching a Christmas movie.

3. Set boundaries in your business

As a Mumpreneur, it’s tempting to keep hustling through the holidays, but this is your chance to model work-life balance for your family. Set clear boundaries for work hours, communicate them to clients, and stick to them. This season, give yourself the gift of being fully present with your loved ones.

I have a podcast episode on this – check it out on The Mum Boss Podcast here

4. Make memories, not stress

Create simple traditions that bring joy without adding stress. A family movie night, a drive to see Christmas lights, or even a walk in the park with festive treats can become cherished memories.

5. Say yes to help

You don’t have to do it all. Delegate tasks, accept help from family and friends, and remember, store-bought cookies are just as good as homemade.

Your Christmas legacy

Think about the legacy you want to create for your family. Long after the decorations are packed away and the toys are forgotten, your children will remember how they felt at Christmas. Did they feel loved, seen, and connected? Or did they sense your stress and distraction?

You have the power to make this Christmas special – not by doing more, but by being more present.

A Christmas like no other

This year, I encourage you to put down the to-do list, close the laptop, and open your heart to the magic of the season. You’ll never regret prioritising the fleeting, beautiful moments that make Christmas truly special.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, from me and mine. Renae x