If December feels less like a celebration and more like a juggling act, you’re not imagining it.
Right now, many mums are balancing end-of-year school commitments, concerts and presentations, Christmas parties, gift planning, shopping, food prep, travel logistics, all while crawling toward the finish line after a very long year. And just when the calendar fills up even more… the kids finish school.
Suddenly, not only are you keeping everything else running, you’re also on full-time holiday duty.
If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or like you’re running on fumes — you’re not failing. You’re human.
This time of year always sneaks up on me.
There’s the mental load of remembering everything, teacher gifts, end-of-year events, family catch‑ups, who needs what, when we’re travelling, what we’re eating, what we’re bringing, and how on earth it’s all meant to fit.
Then there’s the emotional side. Wrapping up work. Closing off projects. Wanting to show up for everyone, everywhere, all at once, while quietly feeling burnt out.
And now? School holidays. Which means the kids are home, routines are gone, and somehow I’m meant to keep them entertained while still being a functioning adult.
If this resonates, please know: you are not alone. Most mums I speak to are feeling exactly the same.
One of the biggest pressures of the silly season is the unspoken expectation that everything should feel magical.
Perfect lunches. Perfect gifts. Perfect memories.
The truth? Your kids don’t need perfection. They need you. Regulated, present, and not completely exhausted.
This is the time to lower the bar (intentionally):
Doing enough is more than enough.
This is often the time of year when exercise is the first thing to be dropped.
And while rest is important, completely removing movement can actually make things feel harder physically and mentally.
Here’s the reframe I come back to every December:
Exercise isn’t another thing on the to‑do list. It’s therapy.
Movement is one of the few times in the day that’s just for you. A chance to:
And it doesn’t have to look like your “best” training.
A shorter session. Lighter weights. Showing up even when energy is low.
It all counts.
Training alone when life feels chaotic can feel hard.
This is where community makes a difference.
At Ultra, December sessions aren’t about PBs or pushing limits. They’re about showing up, being welcomed, and moving alongside people who get it.
Other mums. Other parents. People who are also tired, busy, and doing their best.
Sometimes the best part of training isn’t the workout, it’s the feeling of being seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not carrying everything on your own.
If you need permission, here it is:
You don’t need to “start again” in the new year. You don’t need to punish yourself for being busy.
You’re already doing a lot.
If the silly season has you feeling stretched thin, consider this your reminder that you matter too.
A little movement. A supportive space. A familiar routine.
Sometimes that’s all it takes to steady the ship.
And when things settle, whether that’s next week or in the new year, we’ll be here, ready to help you build strength, confidence, and consistency again.
Because strong mums aren’t the ones who do it all perfectly. They’re the ones who keep showing up, even when things feel messy.
Caroline — coach, mum, and someone very much in the thick of the silly season too
