A new study finds that 65% of moms feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make the holidays perfect. To support these "chief magic officers" through the season, Calm has released exclusive content and merchandise.

Every year, the holidays promise magic. But behind the sparkle, many moms are juggling endless lists, late-night wrapping, moving the elf, hosting in-laws, and the Olympic-level sport of pretending everything's *perfectly* under control.

This year, Calm is helping moms embrace the season without the pressure to be perfect. Not Calm Holiday, the latest chapter in the Not Calm Moms campaign, launches alongside new data revealing the words, pressures, and expectations making moms anything but calm.

To support moms in finding moments of peace, Calm is also releasing guided practices led by expert Mel Mah, including short, practical tools designed to help moms pause, breathe, and reclaim calm amid the chaos.

And because a little humor and joy go a long way, Calm is debuting its first-ever Not Calm merch: a corduroy hat embroidered with not calm. The perfect stocking stuffer for the mom—or chief magic officer—in your life who does it all.

Carrying the mental load of the holidays

For many moms, the holidays add a new layer to an already full mental load. From coordinating travel and school events to planning gifts, meals, and magical “moments,” it’s no wonder that 65% of moms say the pressure to make the holidays perfect feels overwhelming.

The weight is especially heavy for Millennial moms: 83% say carrying the mental load is stressful, 76% feel pressure to make the holidays perfect for their family, and half (50%) report higher stress levels this holiday season compared to last.

Top holiday words that spike stress

Some words alone can make a mom’s heart race. When asked which holiday-related terms raise the most tension, “budgeting,” “holiday shopping,” and “delayed shipping” topped the list. The data shows just how universal that tension is:

74% of moms say budgeting is a top stressor
68% cite holiday shopping
64% feel anxious about delayed shipping and gifts arriving late
59% point to the mental load of constant planning and scheduling
58% feel the pressure of hosting, with nearly two-thirds (64%) agreeing that having guests over is even more stressful than wrapping gifts

New support for overstimulated moms

To help moms take a mindful pause amid the chaos, Calm is releasing three new guided sessions led by Mel Mah, creator of Calm’s Daily Move and a mom herself.

The short sessions—“Grounding Through the Chaos,” “Shake Off the Overwhelm" and “Sigh Out the Tension”—are designed for overstimulated moments: when you’re in the carpool line, between Zoom meetings, or hiding in the bathroom for two minutes of silence.

“This holiday season, give yourself permission to pause, move, and reset.” said Mah, Calm expert. “Even a few moments can help you feel more present and less overwhelmed.”

Relief for Overstimulated Moms is now available in the Calm app.

Exclusive “not calm” hat just in time for the holidays

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to be honest about how you’re feeling, but that isn’t always easy.

Which is why Calm has released its first piece of wearable merch, a hat that fittingly says, “not calm”. It’s a small act of solidarity for anyone just trying to stay afloat in the chaos (read: all of us).

Whether it earns you an approving smile from a stranger or just puts a little spring in your step, the not calm hat is more than just an accessory — it’s a message that can help others feel less alone, too.

The not calm hat comes in three colors, and is available now at shop.calm.com. Wear it, gift it, and remember: finding your Calm isn’t about being chill all the time — it’s about knowing you’re not alone in the overwhelm.

Methodology: This poll was conducted between October 16th and 19th, 2025, among 1,000 moms, which includes 372 Millennial moms born between 1981 and 1996. The interviews were conducted online. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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Calm is helping all “not calm” parents make it through the holidays