Holiday Tips for Moms: The Power of a Plan

The holidays can be a crazy time! First off, the kids will be out of school, the snow is here in full force, and it’s indoor play time! Getting ready to travel or host visitors, cooking for more people, cooking for those cold days… keeping the kids warm… there is a lot to think about as a mom! So how do you keep track of it all? This post is all about the power of a plan. December won’t know what hit it.

First off, you are going to see below a button to download a free daily planner page. Use it! Seriously, writing out your schedule and to‑do list makes a world of difference. I will talk more about why later on in the post. So let’s dive in!

Cooking for the Holidays

Why Soup is the Ultimate Holiday Meal

Soup is one of those foods that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, nourishing, and versatile enough to please picky eaters and adventurous guests alike. During the holidays, soup becomes more than just dinner—it’s a strategy. When you’re juggling kids, visitors, and endless errands, having freezer‑ready soups means you can serve a homemade meal without the stress.

Freezer Soup Recipes to Try

Here are four freezer‑friendly soups you can prep ahead of time:

• Chicken Noodle Soup Freezer Meal
• Beef Stew Freezer Meal
• Vegetable Soup Freezer Meal
• Creamy Potato Soup Freezer Meal

Each recipe can be portioned into gallon freezer bags, labeled, and stacked flat in your freezer. When you need dinner, just thaw and cook.

Pairing Soup with Bread

Soup is good, but soup with bread? That’s next‑level cozy. My 4‑ingredient bread recipe is the perfect companion. It’s quick, foolproof, and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Serve it warm with butter, and suddenly dinner feels like a holiday feast.

Planning Enough Food for Visitors

One of the biggest holiday stressors is wondering if you’ve made enough food. A good rule of thumb: plan 1.5 servings per adult and 1 serving per child. Soups stretch beautifully—add extra broth or vegetables if you’re worried about running short. Keep pantry staples like pasta, rice, and canned beans on hand for quick sides. And don’t forget dessert: even a simple pan of brownies feels festive when cut into bite‑sized squares.

Kids Activities for Indoor Days

Indoor Play Options

Snow days can leave kids bouncing off the walls. That’s why planning indoor activities is essential. I’ve already shared a full list in my indoor activities for kids post, but here are a few extras:

• Indoor walking: High schools, turf fields, and YMCA tracks often open their doors for community walking. It’s a great way to burn energy when sidewalks are icy.
• Indoor playgrounds and rec centers: Many towns offer short‑term memberships. Even a couple of visits a week can make a huge difference.
• Restaurants with playgrounds: Chick‑fil‑A is a classic, but some McDonald’s and other chains still have play areas. A meal plus playtime equals a win for mom.

Craft Gifts Kids Can Make

Holiday crafts double as activities and gifts. Set up a craft station with supplies like construction paper, glue, glitter, and markers. Ideas include:

• Handprint ornaments made with salt dough.
• Painted mason jars filled with homemade cocoa mix.
• Simple photo frames decorated with stickers or buttons. These projects keep kids busy and produce heartfelt gifts for grandparents, teachers, or neighbors.

My Recommendations for Keeping Kids Warm

Gear That Works

Cold weather is no joke. Here’s what works best for us:

• Long‑sleeved mittens: These keep snow out and hands warm longer than regular mittens.
• Layers, layers, layers: Start with a t‑shirt, add a sweatshirt, then coat. Socks, boots, hats, and scarves finish the look. Layers trap heat and make it easy to adjust if kids get too warm indoors.

How to Know if Your Child is Warm Enough

A quick check: feel their hands, feet, and nose. If those are warm, they’re likely comfortable. Watch for signs like shivering, fussiness, or red cheeks (too cold) versus sweating and flushed skin (too warm). Adjust layers accordingly.

Car Essentials

Keep a bag of gloves, hats, and blankets in the car. Since coats should come off in car seats for safety, blankets are a must. Hats can stay on to keep heat in.

Warm Foods and Drinks

After outdoor play, serve soup, hot cocoa, or even warm water. It helps regulate body temperature and makes kids feel cozy again.

Gift Lists

Why You Need a Running List

Holiday shopping can get chaotic fast. The easiest way to stay on top of it? Keep a running list on your phone all year. When inspiration strikes, jot it down. By December, you’ll have a ready‑made guide.

Budget‑Friendly Gift Ideas

• Facebook Marketplace finds: Kids lose interest in toys quickly, so don’t overspend. Gently used items are perfect.
• Homemade treats: Cookies, fudge, or bread wrapped in festive packaging make heartfelt gifts.
• Printed photos: Grandparents especially treasure updated pictures of the grandkids. Frame them or create a simple photo book.

Helping Kids Make Gifts

Encourage kids to create gifts themselves. Homemade cards, painted rocks, or beaded bracelets are inexpensive but meaningful. It teaches them generosity and creativity while keeping them busy during long winter days.

Hosting and Visiting While Keeping a Bedtime Routine

Flexibility is Key

The holidays often mean travel or hosting, and routines can get messy. Here’s the truth: flexibility is your best friend.

• Aim to keep naps and bedtimes consistent, but don’t panic if they’re off. A few days of missed naps won’t undo everything.
• Car naps count—let them sleep when they can.
• At bedtime, expect kids to need extra reassurance in a new environment. Stay nearby, check in more often, and give them time to settle.
• Remember: January is your reset. Don’t let stress steal your joy. Keep things as normal as possible, but embrace the chaos when needed.

Tips for Visiting Other Homes

Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to help kids feel secure. Pack a small nightlight for unfamiliar bedrooms. If you’re hosting, set aside a quiet space where kids can retreat when overstimulated.

Why Planning Matters Most During the Holidays

Here’s the truth: the holidays are wonderful, but they are also unpredictable. Kids are home from school, visitors are in and out, and routines are constantly shifting. That’s why having a written plan is your anchor.

When you sit down each morning (or the night before) and write out your schedule and to‑do list, you give yourself clarity. You know what meals are prepped, which activities are lined up, and where you can flex if things change. Planning doesn’t mean perfection—it means peace of mind.

Think of it this way:

• Kids at home? Write down blocks of time for crafts, indoor play, or outdoor snow fun.
• Visitors arriving? Plan meals ahead, jot down grocery needs, and schedule downtime so kids don’t get overtired.
• Unexpected changes? With a plan in place, you can shuffle tasks without losing track of what matters most.

Seriously, writing out your schedule and to‑do list makes a world of difference. It’s the difference between feeling frazzled and feeling prepared. And that’s why I created the free daily planner page—because moms deserve tools that make life easier, especially during the busiest season of the year.

Download it, print it, and use it every day in December. Let it be your secret weapon against holiday chaos.