Being a busy working mom of two means the holidays can feel magical and chaotic at the same time. This year, instead of carrying the entire season alone, I used ChatGPT as my “Holiday Chief of Staff.”

Below is every single prompt I used — followed by the full, expanded responses, not the shortened carousel versions.

I’ve also linked resources throughout, including:

1. Thanksgiving Hosting Timeline (3 days out → morning-of)

Prompt:

Act as my Holiday Chief of Staff. I’m a busy mom of 2. Build me a Thanksgiving timeline with grocery runs, thaw schedule, pickup orders, shortcuts, tasks to delegate, and what to prep 3 days out, 1 day out, and morning-of.

Full Response:

Three Days Out

  • Do your BIG grocery run now — 3–4 days before Thanksgiving — while inventory is still good.
  • Buy turkey, stock, herbs, potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, butter, bread for stuffing, all dairy, and drinks.
  • Chop anything that keeps well: onions, celery, carrots, squash, herbs.
  • Assemble anything that holds without baking (uncooked casseroles, sauces, vinaigrettes).
  • Make cranberry sauce now.
  • Pick up premade items from Central Market, Fresas, Contigo, Swedish Hill, and order ham from Texas Honey Ham.
  • Check serving dishes, utensils, warming trays, oven-safe platters.
  • Borrow extra fold-out tables or chairs from neighbors on Nextdoor or your neighborhood Facebook group.
  • Confirm who is bringing what and whether they need oven/stove space.
  • Start thawing turkey in the fridge (approx. 24 hours per 4–5 pounds).
  • Bookmark my Thanksgiving Hosting Guide for full walkthrough: https://keetowellness.com/2024/11/09/how-to-host-thanksgiving-like-a-pro/

Two Days Out

  • Prep casseroles (assembled but unbaked).
  • Chop all remaining vegetables.
  • Season the turkey generously with a dry brine — salt, pepper, herbs — inside and out.
  • Write sticky notes for every serving dish so you know what goes where.
  • Set the adult table now: tablecloth, runner, charger plates, napkins, napkin rings, greenery clipped from your yard tied with twine, wine charms, battery-operated candles, serving utensils staged.
  • Make sure your Bluetooth meat thermometer is charged (game changer).
  • Pick up pies or desserts from your local spot (for us: Jim’s Diner).
  • Check your Holiday Hosting Essentials list: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-ffcb648d/list/32JGRP2WS4VW8?ref_=aipsflist

One Day Out

  • Light cleaning and tidying (don’t deep clean).
  • Pick up catering orders early.
  • Prep stuffing fully so it’s ready to bake.
  • Make mashed potatoes earlier and reheat tomorrow (slow cooker or oven).
  • Prep breakfast for Thanksgiving morning (casserole or cinnamon rolls).
  • Run dishwasher and fully empty it.
  • Chill wine, sparkling water, and kid drinks.
  • Set up kid activity table (crayons, stickers, printables).
  • Final turkey prep: butter, herbs, aromatics inside (onion, garlic, lemon, orange).
  • Double-check oven temperature accuracy with the Bluetooth thermometer.

Morning Of

  • Run and empty dishwasher again so it’s empty before guests arrive.
  • Remove casseroles from fridge to come to room temp.
  • Roast turkey with Bluetooth probe — pull early, tent with foil up to an hour.
  • Use an electric knife for carving (life changing).
  • Use warming pads or slow cookers so you’re not juggling oven space.
  • Delegate:
    • Someone handles drinks
    • Someone clears plates
    • Someone helps seat people
  • Turn on playlist, set candles (battery-operated), dim lights.
  • Kids watch the parade while you finish prep.
  • Reference the 30+ Thanksgiving Recipes post for all dishes:
    https://keetowellness.com/2025/11/15/the-ultimate-thanksgiving-recipe-guide/

2. Toddler Thanksgiving Plan (naps, overstimulation, bedtime)

Prompt:

Act as a toddler sleep specialist. Build a Thanksgiving plan with nap windows, car naps, overstimulation strategies, and bedtime survival.

Full Response:

Anchoring the Day

Prioritize the first nap at home — it sets the tone.

Nap Strategy

  • Protect the first nap at home.
  • Second nap can be car, stroller, contact, or portable crib.
  • Bring portable sound machine, blackout cover, sleep sack.

Overstimulation Plan

Cues:

  • Red cheeks
  • Hyper energy
  • Clinginess
  • Random meltdowns
  • Zoning out

Reset tools:

  • 5-minute quiet room reset
  • Deep breaths together
  • Dim lights
  • Stroller walk
  • Low screen time until evening to avoid overload

Bedtime Survival

  • Early bedtime is fine after big days.
  • Mini-routine if you’re not home (5–10 mins).
  • Keep pajamas, sleep sack, and backup Lovey in car.
  • Accept that bedtime may be messy — next day is reset.

3. Holiday Boundaries & Family Scripts

Prompt:

Act as a boundaries therapist for moms. Give me scripts for guilt trips, unsolicited comments, and conversation exits.

Full Expanded Response:

When someone guilt-trips you about not attending something

Script:
“I wish we could make everything work, but with two little kids we have to protect our time and energy right now. This isn’t personal — it’s what’s best for our family this season.”

Alternate version:
“I hear that you’re disappointed. We’re keeping things simple right now. Thanks for understanding.”

When someone comments on your parenting

Script:
“We’re doing what works for us right now.”
(Then change subject intentionally.)

If they continue:
“I appreciate you caring, but we’re comfortable with the decisions we’re making.”

When someone comments on your child’s sleep, eating, behavior

Script:
“Thanks, we’re following the plan that works best for him/her.”

Or:
“He’s a toddler — we expect some chaos. We’re rolling with it.”

When someone brings up triggering or personal topics

Script:
“I’m not discussing that today, but thanks for checking in.”
or
“That topic isn’t on the table today.”

When someone digs for family drama

Script:
“I don’t have anything to add to that conversation.”

Immediate redirect:
“What are you most excited for this season?”

When you need an exit from a draining conversation

Script:
“I’m going to refresh my drink — I’ll catch up with you later.”
or
“I’m going to check on the kids” (always works).

When someone pressures you to host or attend

Script:
“This year we’re simplifying. We need to prioritize rest and routine with the kids.”

If they push:
“Still no for us this time, but I hope it’s amazing.”

4. Holiday Budgeting Plan (November–December)

Prompt:

Act as my financial planner. Build me a November–December holiday budget: gifts, food, décor, travel, Black Friday, teachers.

Full Expanded Response:

Step 1: Set a total holiday number first

Pick a realistic total (example: $1,000, $2,000, $5,000).
Everything fits within that — not the other way around.

Step 2: Divide into categories

Here is the breakdown ChatGPT recommended:

  • Gifts (40–50%)
    Parents, siblings, in-laws, kids, spouse, cousins, Secret Santa.
  • Food & Hosting (20–25%)
    Groceries, alcohol, desserts, takeout nights, paper goods.
    (Link: Your Thanksgiving Hosting Guide)
  • Travel (10–20%)
    Flights, gas, tolls, hotels, dog sitter.
  • Teachers / Coaches / Childcare (5–10%)
    Cash is king here.
  • Décor (5–10%)
    Only fill gaps — replace broken items, buy evergreen pieces.
  • Black Friday / Stock-Up (10–15%)
    Wrap, batteries, pajamas, beauty refills.

Step 3: Master list of gifts

  • Identify your “big ticket” gifts first.
  • Use the Rule of 3 per kid (want, need, wear, read if you want 4).
  • Add stocking stuffers last.

Step 4: Ways to save

  • Price alert tools
  • Buy matching PJs early
  • Reuse last year’s wrapping
  • Use your Amazon storefront to source deals
  • Only buy décor that can last 5+ years

Step 5: Create a weekly spending plan

Week 1 (Early Nov): Teacher gifts + décor gaps
Week 2: Big gifts for kids + spouse
Week 3: Travel booking
Week 4: Food, hosting, entertaining
Week 5 (mid Dec): Wrapping, stocking stuffers
Week 6 (week before Christmas): Last-minute fill-ins only

Shop my budget friendly gift guides here.

5. Holiday Childcare Coverage Plan

Prompt:

Act as my childcare coordinator. Build a holiday-break coverage plan for working moms.

Full Expanded Response:

Assess your actual needs

  • Which days do you really need coverage?
  • Which hours?
  • Which work tasks must be done at specific times?

Coverage Options

  • Grandparents: half-days or certain weekdays
  • Babysitter: create a fixed schedule (ex: 2 afternoons/week)
  • Mother’s helper: cheaper, perfect for breaks
  • Neighbor teen: mornings or entertainment blocks
  • Swap childcare with a friend: “You take them Monday AM, I’ll take Wednesday PM”

Create a rhythm for the 2–3 week break

  • Morning outing (park, library, walk)
  • Lunch + rest time
  • Screens allowed in the late afternoon only
  • Independent play bins
  • 30–60 min of “quiet hour” daily
  • Align difficult work tasks with sleep/USB naps

Work boundaries

  • Hard stop time daily
  • One weekend AM for catch-up (optional)
  • Pre-set OOO message for clients and colleagues

Home setup

  • Activity bins
  • Play kitchen or craft zone
  • One new cheap toy each week of break
  • Rotate toys in/out to avoid boredom

6. Saying No to Holiday Travel

Prompt:

Act as a boundaries coach. Help me say no to holiday travel with young kids.

Full Expanded Response:

Core Script (simple + firm)

“We’re keeping the holidays local this year. Traveling with two little ones isn’t doable for us right now, so we’ll be celebrating from home.”

If they push

“I know you were hoping we’d come, and I get it. But this is what’s best for our family this season.”

If guilt-tripped

“I hear that you’re disappointed. We’re doing what supports the kids’ routines and our sanity right now.”

If they offer to pay for travel

“It’s not about the cost — it’s the logistics. We need a calmer holiday at home.”

If they say ‘But everyone else is coming’

“We know, and we love you all. This is just not our year to travel with two little kids.”

If they make you feel selfish

“We’re doing what keeps our household stable. When the kids are older, things will look different.”

If they expect you to compromise

“A shorter trip still disrupts naps, bedtime, and the kids’ rhythm. We’re keeping it simple this year.”

Exit phrase

“We’ll FaceTime and be part of things that way.”

7. Minimalist Gift Plan (Gifts You’ll Actually Stick To)

Prompt:

Act as a minimalist mom. Build a simple, affordable gift plan I’ll actually stick to.

Full Expanded Response:

Budget friendly gift ideas here.

Step 1: Set limits for the kids

Use the Rule of 3:

  1. Something they want
  2. Something they need
  3. Something to wear or read

Optional add-on: stocking stuffers only if under a set small dollar limit.

Step 2: Adults → small + meaningful

  • A photo of the kids in a frame
  • A favorite food gift
  • Something personalized (calendar, mug, keychain)
  • One “experience” gift instead of stuff

Step 3: Teachers / childcare

Cash + a short handwritten note.
No mugs, ornaments, or extra clutter.

Step 4: Extended family

Do a Secret Santa or “$25 limit” rule.
Everyone breathes easier.

Step 5: Partner gifts

Pick ONE of the following:

  • Something for comfort (robe, slippers, candle)
  • Something for connection (date night jar, massage gift card)
  • Something for daily life (new sheets, kitchen upgrade, coffee gear)

Step 6: Simplify wrapping

  • 1 wrapping paper
  • 1 ribbon
  • Kraft tags
  • No Pinterest-level expectations

Step 7: Budget boundaries

“If it’s not on the list, we’re not buying it.”
Make one shared digital list and stick to it.

8. Cozy, Low-Effort Traditions for Families With Toddlers

Prompt:

Act as a cozy holiday strategist. Give me low-effort traditions for families with toddlers.

Full Expanded Response:

At-Home Traditions

  • Hot cocoa & Christmas jammies night
  • One holiday book each year with a message written inside
  • Walk the neighborhood to look at lights
  • Make one “memory ornament” each year (handprint or photo)
  • Put up a small tree in the kids’ room
  • Holiday movie + floor picnic dinner
  • Build a blanket fort + Christmas storytime
  • Simple cookie decorating (premade dough)

Outside-the-house Traditions

  • Breakfast at your favorite diner the day before Christmas
  • Visit a tree farm for photos (even if you buy the tree at Costco)
  • Let the kids choose a $5 ornament each year
  • One holiday “outing” per season (parade, Santa pics, farmer’s market, small train ride)

Traditions that reduce stress, not add to it

  • Order one premade holiday dish every year from a favorite place
  • Use the same wrapping paper every year for simplicity
  • Play your “family playlist” while decorating
  • Take a photo of the mess after unwrapping — it becomes the memory
  • Donate one toy before Christmas to make space

Memory traditions

  • Write one note per child about the year and tuck into their stocking
  • Save one piece of holiday art per year and date it
  • Record a short video of your family saying what they’re grateful for

9. Elf on the Shelf (20 Ideas Under 60 Seconds, No Mess)

Prompt:

Act as a lazy mom Elf Coordinator. Give me 20 ideas under 60 seconds with no mess.

Full Expanded Response:

  1. Elf sitting in a mug with a note.
  2. Elf holding a kid’s toothbrush (“Don’t forget!”).
  3. Elf reading a board book.
  4. Elf sitting in the fruit bowl.
  5. Elf hiding in a shoe.
  6. Elf wrapped in a dish towel like a blanket.
  7. Elf sitting in the car seat with a seatbelt on.
  8. Elf taped to the fridge with a magnet.
  9. Elf hiding in a stocking.
  10. Elf in the utensil drawer.
  11. Elf “taking a nap” in a tissue box.
  12. Elf next to a sticky note checklist (“Be kind today”).
  13. Elf sitting in the windowsill watching outside.
  14. Elf with a handful of Goldfish crackers.
  15. Elf using a kids’ marker and paper.
  16. Elf on top of the TV remote.
  17. Elf peeking out of a cereal box.
  18. Elf in a roll of toilet paper like a sleeping bag.
  19. Elf sitting on the edge of the sink.
  20. Elf with the kids’ dinosaurs or stuffed animals like they’re hanging out.

10. Holiday Photos & Santa Pics With Toddlers

Prompt:

Act as a mom-life coordinator. Help me plan Santa pics + holiday photos with toddlers.

Full Expanded Response:

What to schedule

  • Book Santa photos early (weekday mornings are best).
  • Choose a photographer with short sessions for toddlers.
  • Bring snacks they don’t normally get (novelty works).
  • Bring two outfits in case of spills.

Prep the kids

  • Show Santa videos ahead of time.
  • Read books about Santa so he feels familiar.
  • Don’t force sitting on Santa’s lap — stand next to him if needed.

Day-of hacks

  • Dress kids at the location to avoid wrinkles/spills.
  • Bring wipes, hairbrush, backup socks.
  • Bribe with something tiny (“After photos we’ll go look at the Christmas train”).
  • Keep your expectations low — crying Santa pics are iconic too.

Family photo tips

  • Start with the whole family while everyone’s fresh.
  • Bring a favorite toy to get attention.
  • Keep photos to 10–15 minutes max.
  • Do photos right after nap + snack.

Outfit strategy

  • Choose outfits within the same color palette but not perfectly matching.
  • Keep parents neutral and let the kids’ colors pop.
  • Avoid bold patterns (they date quickly).
  • Bring a neutral blanket to sit on.

11. Toddler Winter Break Plan (Two Weeks of Sanity)

Prompt:

Act as a toddler activity specialist. Build me a 2-week winter break plan.

Full Expanded Response:

Weekly Rhythm

  • Morning outing: park, library, kids’ museum, grocery store “helper trip”
  • Lunch + rest time: even if they don’t sleep, call it quiet time
  • Afternoon vibe: sensory play, stickers, water play, puzzles
  • Late afternoon screens allowed to transition to dinner

At-home activities

  • Sensory bins with rice or dry pasta
  • Water play in the sink with cups and spoons
  • Sticker books
  • Play dough kits
  • Coloring roll or holiday coloring pages
  • Fort building
  • Matching games
  • Obstacle course with couch cushions
  • Holiday movie + popcorn afternoon

Cheap, easy outings

  • Dollar store for picking 1 holiday item
  • Library storytime
  • Playground hop
  • Grocery store scavenger hunt
  • Walk to look at neighborhood lights
  • Visit a friend for a playdate
  • Free local holiday events

Independent play bins

Rotate 5 bins:

  • Animals
  • Cars/trains
  • Blocks
  • Puzzles
  • Crafts

Working mom strategy

  • Use morning nap/rest time for meetings
  • “Activity stations” that buy 20–30 minute chunks
  • Swap childcare with another mom if possible
  • Have a babysitter for one afternoon per week for deep work

12. Infertility Support During the Holidays

Prompt:

Act as a trauma-informed fertility counselor. Help me navigate infertility during the holidays — including announcements, questions, boundaries, emotional triggers, and protecting my peace.

Full Expanded Response:

When you’re worried about pregnancy announcements

Prepare a script ahead of time:
“Thank you for sharing your news. I’m happy for you, and I’m also having a lot of emotions come up. I may need a little space.”

It doesn’t make you a bad friend — it makes you human.

When family asks ‘So when are you having a baby?’

Use a boundary that protects you:
“We’re not discussing family planning right now.”
or
“That’s a personal topic for us, but thank you for checking in.”

When someone keeps pushing

“This isn’t a conversation I’m having today.”

When the holidays feel triggering

Have a plan:

  • Step outside
  • Take a short walk
  • Excuse yourself to the bathroom for a few minutes
  • Sit in the car with quiet for a moment
  • Bring something comforting (tea, essential oils, a grounding stone)

Exit lines you can use anytime

“I’m going to go check on the kids real quick.”
“I’m grabbing more water, be right back.”
“I’m going to go help in the kitchen.”

All socially acceptable. None require explanation.

Protective boundaries you can set ahead of time

  • Limit the number of events you attend
  • Leave early if needed
  • Skip baby showers or pregnancy-centered gatherings
  • Bring your partner into the boundary-setting (“We agreed we’re not answering questions about this”)

For couples navigating this together

Check in before and after each gathering:

  • “What might be hard today?”
  • “What do you need from me if you get overwhelmed?”
  • “What should our exit plan be?”

Self-compassion reminders

  • You’re not dramatic — you’re grieving
  • You don’t owe emotional labor to anyone
  • You deserve peace
  • Protecting your heart is an act of strength

13. Protecting Your Sanity During Holiday Chaos

Prompt:

Act as a mom-life strategist. Build me a holiday survival list with mindset shifts, household systems, and ways to reduce overwhelm.

FULL RESPONSE (Expanded):

Mindset Shifts

  • Good enough is still great.
  • Rest is productive.
  • Your kids don’t need a “magical” holiday — they need a present, regulated parent.
  • You’re allowed to simplify every single thing.
  • Traditions can change year to year as your bandwidth changes.
  • You’re allowed to say, “Not this year,” without a paragraph of explanation.

Household Systems

  • One laundry load per day (start → fold → put away).
  • Use baskets for “holiday clutter” instead of stressing about constant cleanup.
  • Create a “holiday command center”: invitations, events, teacher gifts, receipts.
  • Use grocery delivery for everything except your main holiday haul.
  • Declutter toys before gifts start coming in — even 10 minutes helps.

Overwhelm Reducers

  • Limit commitments to 1 event per weekend.
  • Make 1 “big” homemade dish per holiday and outsource the rest.
  • Use disposable pans and elevated disposable plates for massive cleanup relief.
  • Assign roles to guests: drink station, music, kid wrangler, trash collector.
  • Block one “off night” per week during December: no cooking, no events.

Quick Regulation Tools

  • 5 slow breaths before you respond to anything stressful.
  • Walk outside for 2 minutes when overstimulated.
  • Pre-set expectations with kids before entering events (“We stay together. When it’s time to leave, we don’t whine. We say thank you.”)
  • Create a “quiet basket” for yourself: electrolyte drink, headphones, gum, magnesium lotion, cozy socks.

14. Budgeting for November–December

Prompt:

Act as my financial planner. Build me a November–December holiday budget: gifts, food, décor, travel, Black Friday, teachers.

FULL RESPONSE:

Step 1: Core Buckets

Create 6 holiday budget categories:

  1. Gifts
  2. Food + Hosting
  3. Décor
  4. Travel (flights, hotels, gas)
  5. Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals
  6. Teacher Gifts + Service Tips

Step 2: Target Ranges

  • Gifts: 40% of your total holiday budget
  • Food/Hosting: 25%
  • Travel: 20%
  • Décor: 5%
  • Sales shopping: 5%
  • Teachers/Service: 5%

Step 3: Build a Realistic Plan

  • Make a gift list for every person (use Shared Notes)
  • Add “experience gifts” to reduce clutter
  • Set price caps for each category (kids, partner, parents, siblings, friends)
  • Pre-load Amazon cart with items and track price drops
  • Buy teacher gifts during Black Friday
  • Use Amazon wishlists for kids so family doesn’t buy random toys
  • Use the “4 gift method” for small kids: want, need, wear, read
  • Plan hosting meals with cross-use ingredients to reduce cost
  • Reuse décor year-to-year and supplement with fresh greenery from outside

Step 4: Save Money with Small Tweaks

  • Cut gift wrap costs by using kraft paper + yarn + greenery
  • Batch teacher gifts: chocolates, gift cards, candles
  • Use gas apps for cheaper travel fuel
  • Book flights on Tuesdays at 2pm

15. Childcare & Holiday School Break Coverage

Prompt:

Act as my childcare coordinator. Build a holiday-break coverage plan for working moms.

FULL RESPONSE:

Coverage Strategy

  • Week 1:
    • Grandparent day
    • One parent WFH half-day
    • Playdate swap with another family
    • Gym daycare (90 minutes of focused work time)
  • Week 2:
    • Hire a sitter for 2–3 mornings
    • Alternate shifts with partner (AM/PM work blocks)
    • Kid activity morning + nap/quiet time afternoon (work window)

Low-Effort Activities for Independent Play

  • Sticker books
  • Magnatiles in a laundry basket
  • Toy rotation bins
  • “Quiet time box” with new coloring pads
  • Sensory bins with pom poms and scoops

Structured Daily Rhythm

  • 9–11 AM: Outing (park, library, walk, play gym)
  • 11–12: Lunch
  • 12–2: Nap or quiet time
  • 2–4: Screen-time window, crafts, playdate
  • 4–5: Independent play while prepping dinner

Work Blocks for You

  • 7–8 AM
  • Nap/quiet time
  • 1 hour after bedtime

Mom-Sanity Tips

  • Lower expectations
  • Freeze meals
  • Use Instacart
  • Align work sprints with kids’ independent play

16. Infertility & Holidays

Prompt:

Act as a trauma-informed fertility counselor. Help me navigate infertility during the holidays — announcements, questions, boundaries, emotional triggers, and protecting my peace.

FULL RESPONSE:

Handling Announcements

  • Pre-decide your reaction: smile gently, step away if needed, no explanations.
  • Give yourself permission to mute social media for the entire season.
  • Practice one safe sentence:
    • “I’m so happy for you — I’m going to step out for a moment.”

Dealing with Questions

Scripts for relatives who pry:

  • “We’re focusing on our health right now.”
  • “We’re keeping that private, but thank you for asking.”
  • “We’re not sharing details, but we’re doing what’s right for us.”

Protecting Your Peace

  • Create a “game plan” with your partner beforehand.
  • Ask to be told privately about pregnancy announcements before events.
  • Leave early without guilt — “We had a long day but loved seeing everyone.”
  • Have a grounding routine ready: walk, breathwork, quiet room, long shower.

Managing Emotional Triggers

  • Reduce exposure to holiday cards or social media
  • Watch cozy movies instead of attending every kid-centered event
  • Give yourself permission to skip triggering gatherings
  • Identify one safe person at each event you can escape to

Self-Compassion Practices

  • Journal
  • Gentle movement
  • Magnesium and hydration
  • Warm meals
  • Early bedtime

Holiday Joy Expansion

  • Find neutral spaces: coffee shops, bookstores, walking trails
  • Start new traditions that aren’t child-focused
  • Celebrate what your body is doing, not what it isn’t

If you made it to the end of this post — I’m sending you a huge hug. Holidays as a mom come with so much invisible work, and you deserve a season that feels peaceful, not overwhelming.

My hope is that these prompts, scripts, timelines, and strategies help you breathe a little easier, protect your peace, and show up as the mom/woman/human you want to be this season.

If you need more support, here are some of my favorites:

Remember… it doesn’t have to look perfect to be meaningful.
Memories > perfection.

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