How to Handle Holiday Overwhelm: a free in-person workshop & the Tip Every Mum Needs This Christmas, by Gemma dean, life coach
Hi, i’m gemma, a proud mobster, mum and life coach. One of my passions is to raise awareness around parental burnout and mental health challenges, which can often increase on the run-up to the festive season. if this relates, read on, i am here to help!
Is holiday stress already creeping in, mobsters?
With just six weeks to go until Christmas, it’s hard not to feel the mounting pressure. The festive season often comes with promises of joy, togetherness, and magical family moments—but for many of us, it also means endless to-do lists, financial strain, and emotional stress. If you’re a busy mum like me, you’re probably familiar with how quickly the holiday spirit can turn into holiday chaos.
For starters, as soon as Halloween is over, I brace myself for the wave of Christmas planning. There’s a mix of anticipation and dread as I prepare for our cherished traditions: decorating the tree, baking, and making homemade gifts like chili jam. But if i am being really honest —balancing these lovely traditions with the demands of everyday life often feels impossible. If this Sounds familiar, don’t worry, You’re not alone and there are strategies that can help.
a free workshop to help you enjoy the holiday season without feeling like you’re drowning in obligations
The holidays don’t have to be all stress and no fun. I am excited to invite members of the mob (mums who build) community to a special workshop on Friday, December 6th, at Mego Coffee House, Walthamstow, starting at 10 a.m.
In just 60 minutes, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to navigate the Christmas craziness with more calm and joy.
we’ll tackle some of the biggest holiday stressors busy mums face:
overloaded schedules;
managing financial pressures;
letting go of imperfections and finding support.
What You’ll Get from This Workshop
Personalised Strategies: Tips and techniques you can apply right away to manage holiday stress.
Community Support: Connect with other like-minded parents who understand the holiday struggle.
Time to Breathe: Carve out space for yourself in the midst of the festive rush.
The Christmas season should be a time for making special memories, not burning out. Take just one hour to invest in yourself, learn strategies to help you feel less overwhelmed, and reclaim the joy of the holidays for yourself and your family. We know how challenging this time of year can be, and we’re here to support you.
This workshop is FREE but spaces are extremely limited—we’re keeping it intimate with just 10 spots
to ensure everyone gets the support they need. Reserve your spot now through this link: Book Your Spot Here
my top tip to help you manage the festive overwhelm (and something i use most days) - the traffic light system
If you can’t make the workshop, here is A simple, intuitive way to check in with your emotional and mental state that takes less than 2 minutes to do and helps assess what you are capable of today. Here’s how it works:
Green Light (Thriving/Go)
How You Feel:
You’re in a good place. You feel energised, calm, and able to take on whatever comes your way. Life feels balanced, and you’re effectively meeting your needs.
Signs:
Positive outlook and motivation
Good focus and productivity
Consistent, restful sleep
Healthy energy levels and social connections
What to Do:
When you’re in the green, keep doing what’s working! Maintain your self-care routines, keep up with habits that make you feel good, and build resilience for when times get tougher.
Yellow Light (Caution/Slow Down)
How You Feel:
You’re starting to feel tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, but you’re still managing. Maybe you’re more irritable or anxious, or unsure about how to handle some situations. This is your signal to slow down and take extra care.
Signs:
Disrupted sleep
Mild anxiety or mood swings
Feeling distracted or somewhat disconnected from loved ones
What to Do:
Take small steps to reduce stress. Maybe it’s taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, cutting out non- essential tasks, or asking for help. Practice mindfulness, lean on supportive friends or family, and adjust your workload before stress becomes unmanageable.
Red Light (Stop/Seek Help)
How You Feel:
You’ve reached the limit and are in crisis mode. You feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or burnt out. This can manifest as feeling disconnected, hopeless, or unable to cope.
Signs:
Exhaustion and extreme irritability
High anxiety and feelings of hopelessness
Withdrawal from social interactions
Physical symptoms like headaches, tense muscles, or ongoing sleep issues
What to Do:
This is your sign to stop and prioritise your well-being. Seek support—whether that’s talking to a friend, reaching out to a professional, or taking time off. Your health and mental state need to come first before anything else.
why i became a life coach
My journey as a single mother of three has been anything but easy. I’ve faced my share of difficult times, and I’m sure there will be more challenges ahead. Yet, through these experiences, I’ve discovered the power of self-care and self-love—essentials that transformed me into a happier, more grounded mother and allowed me to reconnect with who I am as a woman.
It can be tough to juggle life’s many demands, to keep the proverbial plates spinning, and to maintain appearances when you’re feeling drained. I chose to invest in myself so I could become an inspiration for my children and offer support to others walking similar paths.
Relationships require work, and as we grow older and our priorities change, especially as parents, our needs and desires often shift. It’s crucial to recognise that we still deserve happiness and fulfillment. My professional background spans over 20 years in luxury hospitality management, a career that has been both rewarding and challenging, especially as I’ve navigated single parenthood for the past three years. My experiences led me to a profound mental health journey, eventually guiding me toward life coaching.
why i love what i do
Now, as a Qualified Life Coach, I have the privilege of helping people every day. My coaching journey, deeply rooted in my passion for supporting others, allows me to guide clients through periods of change and self-discovery. As a former Wellbeing Manager for a 5-star boutique hotel group, I’ve always cared deeply about the people I serve. In coaching, I help clients clarify their goals, explore their options, and develop strategies that align with their dreams. My philosophy is centred around listening, fostering a growth mind-set, and showing individuals that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.
Join a Supportive Community of Mums Who Are Redefining Success
The holiday season is undoubtedly challenging for busy parents, but it has also become a time of reflection for me—a reminder of my journey to find balance and build a meaningful life. One key part of that journey has been becoming part of the Mums Who Build community, a vibrant network that empowers mothers by focusing on financial fitness, wellbeing, and personal growth.
This community offers a free online space, valuable resources, and financial education tailored specifically for mothers. Through Mums Who Build, I’ve found not only practical guidance but also a strong sense of belonging and mutual support. It’s incredibly motivating to connect with other women working hard to achieve financial security and become the best version of themselves, for themselves and their children.
As mums, it’s normal to feel lost or to see your priorities and values shift over time. But you are not alone. With support, you can carve out a new path that brings you fulfilment and joy—both for yourself and your children. If this is you, let’s start by having a conversation.
