PODCAST | APPLE PODCAST |  SPOTIFY  | YOUTUBE 

 Embracing the Art of Receiving During the Holidays as a Homeschool Mom

As homeschool moms, we often take on the responsibility of creating magical holiday moments for our families, doing it all ourselves. Yet, in the process, we may overlook one essential skill: the art of receiving. In this episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross shares her transformative journey of learning to graciously accept help and open her heart to the blessings of the season. This shift from “doing it all” to receiving not only reduces holiday stress but also fosters a deeper, more connected family experience. Here are four ways to embrace this approach and make your holiday season more joyful and fulfilling.

1. Keep It Simple with Cherished Traditions

Holidays can easily become overwhelming when we try to do it all—special events, crafts, outings, and elaborate meals. Julie’s motto for the season is “Keep it Simple, Silly.” Instead of aiming to fit every Pinterest-inspired activity into December, select a few traditions that bring genuine joy to your family. Maybe it’s matching pajamas, a favorite holiday movie night, or baking together. Letting go of excessive plans allows you to savor these moments more fully without stress or burnout.

Quick Tip: Create a list of just two or three holiday traditions you’ll prioritize this season and let the rest go. Less is truly more!

2. Embrace the Power of Receiving

As homeschool moms, we’re naturally inclined to give. However, learning to receive help, kindness, and even compliments can be incredibly freeing. Julie shares her story of a difficult holiday season when she had to rely on family to take care of holiday preparations. Instead of feeling guilty, she learned the beauty of allowing others to step in and bless her family. Receiving from others, even in small ways, is not only a gift to you but an opportunity for others to express love and care.

Quick Tip: When someone offers help, accept it with a heartfelt “thank you.” Allow yourself to feel the warmth and support from others as you celebrate together.

3. Cultivate Gratitude and Awe

Rediscovering holiday magic often begins with gratitude. Julie reminds us to cultivate wonder in everyday blessings, whether it’s a child completing a math problem or a shared laugh over a Christmas movie. The more you look for small moments of joy, the more they’ll appear. Approach each day with curiosity and awe, keeping your heart open to the blessings around you, both big and small.

Quick Tip: Begin a holiday gratitude journal. Each evening, jot down one blessing you experienced that day. By Christmas, you’ll have a list of small moments that added up to a season of joy.

4. Work from a Place of Rest, Not Stress

For many of us, holiday planning means filling every day with activities. However, this can lead to exhaustion and missing out on the season’s true spirit. Julie suggests approaching the holidays from a place of rest rather than stress. This means allowing space in your schedule for spontaneous joy, flexibility, and meaningful connections. When we relax our expectations, we make room for the beautiful, unexpected moments that define the holiday season.

Quick Tip: Leave wiggle room in your schedule for downtime or unplanned activities. A restful holiday season is more memorable and fulfilling than a stressful one.

Conclusion

By simplifying traditions, accepting help, practicing gratitude, and allowing for rest, you can enjoy a season filled with meaning and connection. Embracing the art of receiving can be the key to a joyful, stress-free holiday season that nourishes both you and your family.

For more inspiration and practical holiday tips, check out my course “Peaceful and Joyful Holidays for Homeschool Moms”