With any luck, you’re reading this on Christmas Day, sitting in your pjs, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha coffee while the kids happily play with their new gifts.
I want to take this moment to congratulate you, Mama. You did it. You created the magic, and whatever that looked like, it is enough. Elf on the shelf or not, perfectly wrapped presents or not, fancy dinner or not, your efforts are enough.
Instead of scrolling through social media and letting the mom-guilt build, put down your phone and enjoy what you’ve built. Remind yourself that all the perfectly curated photos you’ve seen are just a glimpse, a mere highlight. Your life has highlights too if you look up from the screen long enough to notice them.
Take a big breath and just look around. Go join the kids in whatever they are playing or doing. Break out a deck of cards, paper slips for charades, or a puzzle to do together. Snuggle up to your partner and marvel at your lives together.
Go, put this down, and enjoy your efforts.
Disclaimer/Reality Check: I am fully aware that my ability to create a life I love is only made possible by my husband’s hard work and support. My husband & I are big fans of the saying “same goals, different roles”, but the holidays hit a bit different. His role of keeping us safe and loved remain the same. Mine of creating magic and memories triples. We couldn’t do either of our goals very well without each other. Love you, honey, Merry Christmas. This column will resume usual topics of motherhood, community, and home next week. Most importantly, I don’t ever want this column to make another mama think she’s not doing enough. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you are, you’re doing great, keep it up. Sing it with me: no-one is doing it allllll!
