🥧 Already dreading the holidays? 🎄This year can be different.
Published 4 months ago • 4 min read
Speaking Life Into Motherhood EP 38
Your Holiday Plan:
Boundaries, Grace, and Actual Rest
Hey mama,
I see you.
You're already feeling that knot in your stomach about the upcoming holidays. You love your kids fiercely and want them to experience the magic of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you're also completely exhausted at the thought of navigating family gatherings, disrupted routines, and the inevitable meltdowns.
Why are we shocked every single year when the holidays arrive, even though they literally come at the same time? (Or is it just me?!) But what can really feel surprising- is how hard it is for our kids (and us too) when rhythms get disrupted during the business of the holidays.
This week’s episode is all about preparing for the holidays in a way that honors your child’s nervous system and your family’s values.
38 Surviving the Holidays with a Neurodivergent Child: A Plan For Peace and Connection
In this episode, I walk you through five practical strategies:
→ How to transition your rhythms BEFORE the chaos hits (your child’s nervous system needs a runway, not a cliff)
→ Protecting sensory regulation like it’s your job
→ Preparing for meltdowns with an exit strategy
→ Navigating the food dilemma without compromising your values (this one’s for my crunchy mamas!)
→ Building in recovery time after the chaos of the holidays
You are not failing because your holidays feel hard. The holidays ARE hard, especially for families with kids who have special needs.
Biblical Reflection
"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11:28-30
I've read this before and thought, “Well Jesus, I don’t FEEL like my burden is light during the holidays.”
But here’s what we can come to understand: Jesus isn’t saying life won’t be hard. He’s saying, "stop carrying burdens I never asked you to carry."
Are you carrying the burden of expectation? The burden of trying to look like everyone else during the holidays? The burden of pretending your family doesn’t have additional needs?
Those aren’t burdens Jesus gave you. He is calling you to find rest.
What if rest looks like saying no? What if it looks like leaving early? What if it looks like bringing your own food and not apologizing for it?
Prayer for This Week
Father, thank You for these precious mamas reading this today. You see them in their exhaustion, their worry, and their deep desire to give their children good things.
Lord, I pray for wisdom as they navigate the holidays. Help them hear Your voice above all the other voices telling them what they should do. Give them courage to set boundaries, to protect their families, to honor how You made their children.
Calm their anxious hearts. Remind them that You are with them in every moment—in the meltdowns, in the difficult conversations, in the exhaustion.
Help them trust that You care about the details. Their child's sensory needs. Their food sensitivities. Their nervous system regulation. None of this is too small for You.
Give them rest, Lord. Real, deep, soul-level rest that can only come from You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today is the FINAL day of doTERRA’s BOGO sale, and if you’ve been waiting for the right time to stock up on oils that actually support your family’s health—this is it.
As a mama who’s been using oils for years to support our family’s nervous systems, immune health, and natural living journey, I can’t recommend this sale enough. Whether you’re dealing with holiday stress, supporting your child’s regulation needs, or just trying to keep your family healthy through the season, there are some incredible options.
Managing stress daily? → Adaptiv + Shinrin-Yoku​ Adaptiv has been a game-changer in our house for calming stress and supporting emotional balance—especially during transitions and overwhelming moments. Shinrin-Yoku (inspired by forest bathing) brings that grounding, peaceful energy when everything feels chaotic.*
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Active lifestyle or physical discomfort? → Copaiba + Deep Blue​ Copaiba is incredible for supporting your body’s natural response to everyday stressors and discomfort. Deep Blue is our go-to for soothing tired muscles after long days (or carrying kids out of family gatherings!).*
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Need better sleep & mental clarity? → Lavender + Peppermint​ Lavender for calming bedtime routines and actually getting rest. Peppermint for that afternoon brain fog when you need to focus but you’re running on empty.*
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Supporting immune health this season? → On Guard + Breathe​ On Guard is our protective blend for keeping everyone’s immune systems strong during cold and flu season. Breathe helps open airways and supports respiratory health—especially helpful for kids with sensory sensitivities to stuffy noses.*
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Want a fresh, clean home naturally? → Purify + Tea Tree​ If you’re committed to low-toxin living (hello, crunchy mamas!), these are essentials. Purify freshens the air without harsh chemicals. Tea Tree is antibacterial, antifungal, and perfect for natural cleaning solutions.*
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Want it ALL? → BOGO Bundle + reach 175 PV for bonus oils!​ Stock up and get the most value. When you hit 175 PV, you’ll also qualify for additional bonus oils this month.
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Remember, supporting your family’s health with natural alternatives isn’t extra—it’s part of stewarding what God gave you.
Mama, the holidays are coming. 🎄 Let's be ready—not perfect, but prepared in a way that honors your family, protects your child, and preserves your sanity.
You can do this.
With grace and truth,
Elyse
P.S. Listen to the full episode HERE for all five strategies, personal stories, and the practical tools you need to make it through the holidays without losing your mind.
Elyse Scheeler
Podcast Host of Speaking Life Into Motherhood
Speech Language Pathologist, Wellness Coach, doTerra Wellness Advocate
"Empowering transformations by speaking life into mind, body, and soul."
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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