Surviving Chol Hamoed with humour, honesty, and a LOT of snacks.

My Pesach was like dry rain. Stressfully fun.

We fought.

We laughed.

We shouted.

We sang.

We danced.

Pre-Pesach, there was for sure anxiety thrown in there at some point.

WHY IS NO ONE LISTENING TO ME?!? (Sounds familiar?)

HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET TO SEDER NIGHT?! (Time isn’t exactly a theory…)

And is it even Chol Hamoed if someone hasn’t cried before 10 a.m.? (And yes, that someone might be you.)

Somehow, “fun family time” turns into “competitive survival week”, where your main goals are keeping the kids alive, semi-entertained, and not losing your mind. 

Can you relate to this? 

Here are some things I learnt over the week that I thought you would appreciate: 

1. The Chol Hamoed Pressure to give our kids a fun time is REAL. 

Somehow, “fun family time” turns into “competitive survival week”, where your main goals are keeping the kids alive, semi-entertained, and not losing your mind. 

“Why does everyone else look like they’re having more fun than us?”

“Why does their day look so perfect?”

“Why can’t my kids just stop fighting, listen to me, and get along?!?”

Here’s the truth: 

Every family fights. Everyone gets overwhelmed. It's normal! Spending 24/7 together for a week with the same people is bound to cause some tension. You’re not doing it wrong—you’re just human.

Behind every picture-perfect Pesach is a mum silently screaming into a pillow!

It’s not realistic to spend 7 days straight with the 

Same people and expect bliss the whole time. 

2.  It’s Okay to Step Away

I went out for lunch with friends on the first day of Chol Hamoed.  Yep—left our apartment, left my kids, and just breathed. After 2 full days with my family (plus Erev prep—and let's be real, the whole week before), I needed it.

Taking a break isn't selfish—it’s essential. And no, grocery shopping doesn’t count as “me time.” Do something that’s just for you.

3. If You're Sick, You Come First

On Wednesday, I felt awful. So we cancelled our tiyul, stayed home, had a BBQ, and played games. The kids were happy (because food on a stick = joy), and I got to rest. Plus, we grilled extra for Thursday and Shabbat. Win-win!

Being kind to yourself doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down—it means you’re showing up better in the long run. It also sends 2 powerful messages to your kids: 1. that your well-being is important, and 2. the importance of mothers to take time for their bodies to recuperate when they are ill. 

By taking the time your body needs to recover when you're sick, 

You're role modelling the importance of mothers 

prioritising their well-being.

4. Sometimes the Chaos Is the Memory.

Instead of the usual 45 minutes it takes us to get to the Jerusalem Zoo, it took us three hours(!!!). THREE. Thanks to Waze, I found myself off-roading in my car that has no business off-roading. But we laughed and made it part of our fun. In 10 years from now, my kids may or may not remember going to the zoo, but they definitely will be reminiscing about this adventure! (And yes, there were tantrums by the end, because of course.)

5. Pack More Snacks Than You Think You Need

Trust me! Leave some in the car for the ride home. It will buy you some peace if they fight and a solution when they whine “I’m hunggrrryyyyyyyy!!”

Did you learn anything about yourself and family dynamics over Pesach? Leave a comment below and share it with us.