May-cember Is Real (And No, You’re Not Imagining the Chaos)

It’s like December, but with less twinkle and more sunscreen.

One mom said it to me on the sidelines this week and it hit like a truck: "It’s May-cember."

I blinked. Then laughed. Then exhaled for what felt like the first time all week. Because yes. That’s exactly what it is.

May looks pretty on paper—but behind the flowers and coffee are school deadlines, event RSVPs, and the mental load only moms can see. Welcome to May-cember.

May is December’s under-appreciated evil twin—just as chaotic, but without the warm cookies and sparkling lights. If you’re a mom, you already know: this is the month where everything unravels and somehow you’re expected to hold it all together.

Why May Feels Unhinged

• End-of-year testing

• Spirit Week themes that change daily

• Field day (and don’t forget sunscreen!)

• Teacher appreciation gifts (times however many kids you have)

• Soccer season wrap-ups and team parties. If you're on snack duty or sideline gear patrol, here's everything I pack.

• Final games, playoffs, banquets, trophies

• Summer camp registrations, vacation planning, grandparent scheduling

• Closet clean-outs and last-minute wardrobe overhauls for growing kids

It’s all happening. At once. And almost none of it is optional.

Why It Hits Moms the Hardest

Because we’re the keepers of the schedule, the memories, the snacks, the sunscreen, the gift cards, the last-minute RSVPs, and the emotional temperature of the entire household.

We’re balancing logistics with sentimentality. One minute you’re hunting for neon socks for Spirit Day, and the next you’re crying in the car because it’s your kindergartener’s last library checkout ever.

This is the month where the invisible load turns fluorescent. And it doesn’t fit in a nice little to-do list.

What Helps (A Little)

Use a Shared Digital Calendar. We been using the Skylight Calendar for about a year, and I’ll never go back. Everyone’s schedules, color-coded and in plain view, right on the kitchen counter. Bonus: my husband actually uses it and, best of all, the kids can SELF SERVE!

Default to Simple. A gift card from your local bookstore, a quick team Venmo, or a heartfelt note goes further than a custom engraved mug with zero lead time. Give yourself permission to choose ease.

Say No, Kindly. Not every extra event, sign-up, or obligation needs to be a yes. Not this month. Not when you're already maxed out.

Leave Room for the Feels. You might cry unexpectedly. Or forget sunscreen. Or show up with the wrong theme outfit. It's okay. You're not failing. You're just navigating May-cember like a pro.

Final Word: It’s Not You. It’s May.

If you’re feeling like you're holding 37 glitter-glued things together with a half-used lint roller and a prayer—you’re not alone.

You’re doing your best. And it’s enough.

Let the schedule be messy. Let the snacks be store-bought. Let May be May.

You’ve got this.

Want more sanity-saving tools, sideline survival tips, and mom hacks that actually help?

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