Moms You Do Not Owe Anyone Anything This Holiday Season

Christmas is the time of year many moms feel stressed out. We are busy planning for the holidays. Kids are out of school for weeks. Family and friends have expectations from us. For some moms that’s the tip of the iceberg.

Now more than ever moms need to hear one thing, moms you do not owe anyone anything. You heard me right. Moms you do not owe anyone anything.

All moms at some point need a reminder you are the boss. You do not have to overextend yourself. Be a doormat. Do something you don’t want to. Or do not have time for.

You should only commit when you want. Never out of pity, guilt, or fear that it will cause drama. Never let someone bully you into saying yes. You can always say no. You owe no one anything.

This means that one toxic person you know a relative, friend, or neighbor you can tune them out. Say no. If they try to start the drama toxic people love so much say no. I am not doing this. Block them. Ignore them. Just tune it out. You do not owe them anything. Anyone wants to call you out on it? You need not explain it. That is none of their business. You do not owe anyone anything.

That one person who is always asking for favors and never returning them. You can say no. They need no explanation. You should never have to justify saying no to anyone. Ever. No means no.

Your kids always have friends over and the other moms never return the favor? Tell them no. It’s hard enough when the kids are out of school. But being in charge of extra kids and never getting that break the other mom gets? You have the right to say no.

Know someone who you dislike who always invites themselves to your holiday celebrations? Tell them no. Your house your rules.

Cannot afford an expensive gift for the kids? You can say no. You do not have to buy it. I promise your child will not come back later in life saying not getting that gift ruined their life.

Your mother-in-law or own mother you can tell her no too. Says something rude. Tries to guilt you. It’s fine to say no! Even to your own mother or in law. You do not owe anyone even family anything that you are not willing to give. No one is entitled to you or your children. This time of year family can cause so much drama.

Remember this is your life and your family, you can say no. To anyone or anything.

Seriously, this is the time of the year we overextend ourselves. Many moms accept responsibilities or obligations that we have no time and energy for. Or stay mum and endure ill treatment from someone to spare drama. Or feel overwhelmed because all the kids are home from school and you feel you cannot catch a break.

Sometimes as moms we lose our voice. We allow those who should not have power over us power. Moms today are more stressed and anxious than ever and we let fear of conflict cloud our judgement. You can celebrate the holidays with your own children where you want. You should not have to fly 3,000 miles across the country if you rather stay home.

You can say no when someone says or does anything that causes you stress, worry, or you are uncomfortable with. We focus so much on New Year’s resolutions we forget we have the entire month of December. Use that month to empower yourself.

Many moms say yes instead of no. December should be about kindness and giving of yourself willingly. Not agreeing to things to avoid drama or guilt. This time of the year a lot of strong women (we are all strong btw) forget they have the power to say no. It's time we remind each other we can say no. Moms you do not owe anyone anything 365 days a year. During the holidays we lose sight of that. It's time to take control. Let this year be the year where we celebrate how you want. Not the way others want us to.

This is a reminder that you can reclaim your power. Not next year but today. Empower yourself. You owe no one anything.