As this Christmas is technically my second as a mom – the question from my family is always a hard one to answer,

“what do YOU want?”

“Who, me?”

Now, don’t get me wrong – my husband and I, since our 1st Christmas together in 2006, have always gone above and beyond in giving gifts to each other. We genuinely love to give – and in a sense, it gives a beat to our hearts, and it’s something we hope to cultivate in our children – a life of generosity.

But, as a mom – what do I really need?

The answer – probably nothing. We have a roof over our head, groceries in the fridge, and laughter (and some tears) fill our home daily…

Becoming a mom has shown me, while we may not NEED anything… but this one thing is VITAL…. and something we rarely do…

To take care of ourselves, too.

Our husbands and children will be better because of it, and so will we.

So, maybe you ARE a new mom, or maybe you’re shopping for a new mom, or for your mom this Christmas…

Maybe you’re a husband looking for the perfect gift for his wife, or just looking to score a few extra brownie points, because you went outside of what you usually get her (let’s be honest, something you give her – that you want is not a gift ;))

So, here are a few things I’ve put together in getting to the bottom of what every mom needs this Christmas.

What every mom who feels like she’s failing, needs this Christmas, refreshing Soul, Spirit + Body.

FOR HER SOUL:

A night with her girlfriends:

A dear friend surprised me this Christmas with a night out for dinner & wreath making with some girlfriends – and it was just what I needed. Maybe you too. Getting together with your girlfriends, or other moms you connect with, can be refreshing, and also shine light and remind you that you’re not alone in this journey.  Jen House Design hosted an incredible night out for us! Maybe look into doing something local like a Paint & Pour, Board & Brush, or Pinterest party with you and a few close friends as you welcome in the new year!

A date with her husband:

Just the two of you. Getting away and out of the house alone, without your little miracles clinging to your ankles may be what she really needs this year! I know for me, quality time is HUGE – which is why traveling and getting away as a family, and just the two of us for a weekend will always be a top priority. The best memories are way, and it gives you and your spouse a chance to re-connect and unplug.

Flowers. Fresh Flowers.

Who doesn’t like fresh flowers DELIVERED? Consider somewhere local to your hometown. Also, Groupon has a deal for farm fresh flowers from The Bouqs Company for 50% off all bouquets!

FOR HER SPIRIT:

Resources.

Resources that remind her, she’s not alone. That she’s doing amazing, and that her job… right in the middle of madness & sticky floors, may quite certainly be the highest calling on her life for this season. Some of my absolute MUST HAVES as a mom – that have radically changed my perspective on hard days:

Hands Free Mama

Pressing Pause 

Present over perfect

The Confident Mom

Prayer Warrior Mom

Another great resource is a monthly subscription for something that can nourish her spirit all year round. A few of my favorites are:

Faithbox – A monthly subscription box of encouragement & faith based resources to help rest your spirit in the midst of the chaos we can all get caught up in

Life.Beautiful Magazine – this is a go to for me, it’s reasonably priced for the entire year! (around $20) and I ADORE snail mail. This magazine is a great reminder of my “why” behind my “what” and I love encouraging new mothers, and friends with this subscription every year!

Moms One Line a Day – a one line a day journal for her to fill in, and look back on the the years, laugh at the hard times, and remind her – that this is a season, and things will get better.

FOR HER BODY:

Hello Fresh ($40 off your first plan!) – If I’m being honest, what stirs up half of my husband and my’s arguments is deciding what’s dinner. Once he gets home from work, the last thing I want to do is think about cooking. We are all hungry – and my day has been filled with trying to run a full time photography business, all the while making sure our little girl isn’t raising herself, and I am being present. Hello Fresh takes the planning out! Fresh groceries and meal prep, delivered to your door!

Dashing Dish Membership: Which leads me to yet another resource I would be lost without. Dashing Dish.  Healthy Recipes for the foods you crave! Dashing Dish, is really a 3 in 1 gift – guaranteed to feed her Spirit, Soul & Body! A simple monthly membership will help the ease the stress of meal planning, and you’ll benefit from it too – Katie’s recipes are delicious, see for yourself!