Spreading Holiday Cheer to Moms

This post is sponsored by Minute Maid and is part of their #doingood campaign. All opinions are my own.

Everyone loves to talk about about giving back during the holidays. Giving back to those with less money, veterans, children, etc. But sometimes we don’t pay attention to other people who are struggling. The mom who is stressed about being able to afford gifts for her kids. The parents grieving the loss of a baby they should be celebrating their first Christmas with. The mom who can’t find that toy that everywhere is sold out of. Regardless of the circumstances, holidays can be really hard on people. And I think especially for moms of younger kids. There are a lot of expectations of moms these days: elf on the shelf, perfectly decorated homes, the trendiest gifts, baking Pinterest perfect treats, etc. And on top of all these pressures we’re expected, really required, to put on a happy face and go around singing Christmas carols. That’s why I love what Minute Maid is doing with their #doingood campaign – try to watch this video without crying:

We talked about some of the hardships moms face around the holidays at Momsgiving and ways we can show other moms support and encouragement this holiday season. Honestly as a mom some of the most impactful interactions I’ve had with other people are when they look at me struggling with my 2 kids and say “you’re doing good.” This has come in the form of my mom friends, our music class teacher, the ladies who work at the gym nursery, and random strangers. In fact that might be when it’s most powerful. When I’m struggling with a fussy baby and a tantrum throwing toddler in the middle of the store and some angel in disguise has walked up to me and said “hey don’t worry – you’re doing good!”

And one thing that came up in our conversation is how we don’t say things like this to our mom friends on a regular basis. All of my mom friends are amazing moms. Not exaggerating. But how often do I tell them that? Not very. And honestly when they are having a ‘bad mom’ day, hearing a reassurance that they are #doingood can make all the difference in how they feel, and how they parent, the rest of the day. So not only do random strangers sometimes need a helping hand and a kind voice but also do our best friends who we talk to on a daily basis.

At Momsgiving we made encouragement goodie bags to give out to moms in need. Whether a friend, or a stranger at the grocery store. Whether just a mom you know has been feeling down lately, or a mom you see with a child having a complete breakdown. Sometimes, well always, it feels good to have a reminder the you’re #doingood. In these goodie bags we put a coaster with a sweet uplifting message, a can of Minute Maid to put on that coaster, and a couple pieces of candy.

The stories I’ve gotten back from the girls about how other moms responded to this little gesture have been amazing. One of the girls said she gave it to a mom with a crying toddler at the mall and this stranger gave her a hug! Another told me that she was too shy to give it out to someone she didn’t know (understandably) and so she gave it to a friend who she knows is an amazing mom but who she thought could use that extra reassurance. Another one said she gave it to her own mom who has had a rough year and just to remind her that she’s an amazing mom. I personally gave out two of these to two different moms who I think are doing a great job and who I don’t think hear it enough. It was an awesome experience just to be able to tell them that it doesn’t go unnoticed how much they do for their young children and how much they sacrifice. With young kids it can be hard because they can’t tell you themselves that they appreciate the selfless acts mom do for them.

If  you have a friend or family member who is a parent that you would like to send some extra encouragement to this holiday season, check out Minute Maid’s Letter Generator for a nice way to send some love. All you have to do is fill in a few blanks, they’ve done most of the work for you!

And I’m so excited to announce the winner of the Minute Maid #doingoodcontest! It is Susan Smoaks and you can check out her amazing board here! Congratulations Susan and please email me at clairecervino@gmail.com to redeem your prize!