The Perfect Holiday Books for the Anxious Mom

The Christmas season can be a time full of joy and stress for busy moms. Whether you are looking for the perfect mother Christmas gifts or trying to find the right book for your fellow sisters in parenting, these books are absolutely perfect for reducing stress and bringing a little bit of calm to your life.

Inspiration from Real Life and Poetry

From incredible biographies to touching Christmas poetry, there is a book that is perfect for the anxious mum in your life. Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom continues to top the list of inspirational books for mom every year. Originally published in 1994, Long Walk to Freedom details Mandela’s dedication to the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Written in the real life hero’s own words, the story is at once heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. Other biographies that will replace stress with encouragement include Hayden Herrera’s Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo and Bad Girls Go Everywhere: The Life of Helen Gurley Brown, the Woman Behind Cosmopolitan Magazine by Jennifer Scanlon.

The lyrical music of poetry can calm the mind and slow the anxious spirit. The Oxford Book of Christmas Poems by Michael Harrison and Christopher Stuart-Clark is an anthology of well-known writers and poets. This is a treasure trove for any time of life, and guaranteed to fill the reader with the joy of the holiday spirit. Share a beautiful meaningful gift of poetry with The Complete Poems by Russian poet Anna Akmatova or the works of famed American poet Emily Dickinson.

Coloring Books

A new wave of Christmas coloring has taken hurried society by storm. The anxious mom will enjoy the leisurely moments recaptured through the soothing hobby of coloring. Christmas coloring books for adults are available both online and at your local retailer. Find beautiful books adorned with intricate mandalas or exquisite Christmas angels. Books are available with spiritual verses, poems, and inspirational quotes embedded over each drawing. Johanna Basford’s Johanna’s Christmas, Night Voyage: A Magical Adventure and Coloring Book by Daria Song, and Escape to Christmas Past by Good Wives & Warriors all promise hours of calm coloring relaxation. Add a set of colored pencils when you give this gift to your loved one.

Self-Help Books for Motherhood

Most of a mum’s anxiety is unfounded. She works hard, does her best for her family and at her job, and at the end of day sleeps a few hours only to start it all again the next day. Sometimes a mother needs a pick-me-up, a little bit of encouragement to help her through everyday stress. Lean In- Women, Work, and the Will to Lead is an inspiring read by former Facebook COO (and mom) Sheryll Sandberg. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who Your Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown helps moms accept themselves as they are, imperfections and all.

This holiday season, help your loved one take a moment for herself. Bring her a book, a scented candle, and a box of candy, and encourage her relax and read an inspirational book this holiday season.