I can hear you now: “She wants to give up Christmas? A mom of four? You mean the holiday celebrating Jesus’ birth, the one filled with joy and peace?” Yes, that’s the one. I’m officially done with the way we, as mothers, experience Christmas.
The holiday spirit has morphed into something unrecognizable. Gone are the Silent Nights and the merry moments. Instead, brace yourself for the next month packed with the following delightful realities:
- Family Photo Shoot: It may just be my family, but the most successful holiday card photo I managed was one where all my kids were asleep. Trying to get four boys and a grown man to dress up, smile, and stay still for even half a second is nothing short of impossible. I need a miracle—or perhaps a sedative for the kids—to get a decent shot. One year, I forced a photo op in matching pajamas under the Christmas tree, snapping over 60 pictures amid chaos. I lost it and exclaimed, “All I want for Christmas is ONE GOOD PICTURE!” In a moment of shock, I captured one fleeting shot. This year, I’m tempted to use their school photo and just call it a day. Revenge is sweet; I’ll save the real photo for their adulthood!
- The Annual Family Update: You know those lengthy Christmas letters? The ones detailing every triumph of the “XYZ Family”? I’m tempted to write my own version: “Dear Friends and Family, This year was not filled with promotions or accolades. My husband works tirelessly and helps moms on planes. My boys have destroyed nearly everything we own, and I pick up dirty laundry hourly. Yet, they’re polite and loving, and that’s what matters.” It’s a chaotic love, but it’s real. Merry Christmas from the Fenton family!
- Decorating the Tree: Thanks to Pinterest, I now know what I can never achieve. The last time I attempted to decorate the tree alone, it ended in disaster. After years of letting the boys take charge, they’ve finally reached the point where ornaments make it to the top. Last year, just as I admired our efforts, the tree toppled over. Instead of panic, I calmly tied it to the wall this year to avoid further catastrophe.
- Holiday Gatherings: The endless stream of holiday parties is overwhelming. I used to host my own, but after realizing how stressed my friends became, I stopped. Now, I often feel guilty declining invitations, leading to a calendar stuffed with events that morph into more work. This year, I’m declaring a moratorium on holiday parties—let’s meet for Valentine’s Day instead!
- Christmas Plays: Before kids, I dreamt of adorable little angels and a perfect Nativity scene. Fast forward, and I found myself sewing costumes at 3 AM for a play I volunteered to direct. Now, I simply watch my boys on stage, reveling in their charm without the stress of preparation.
- Toy Assembly: The holiday Eve toy assembly, a.k.a. the “Clamshell Packaging Conflicts,” is a yearly source of marital tension. Despite my best efforts to prepare early, we inevitably end up bleary-eyed, battling over toy instructions at 2 AM. Still, when the kids burst with joy on Christmas morning, those chaotic hours melt away.
Ultimately, the holiday spirit can sometimes feel like a chore, but the love and laughter we share as a family are what truly matter. For more insights on family and parenting, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and explore our other blog posts like this one for tips on home insemination.
Summary
This humorous recounting from a mother of four highlights the chaotic yet love-filled realities of the holiday season. From the stress of family photos and holiday parties to the trials of toy assembly, she reflects on how the essence of Christmas sometimes gets lost in the hustle. Ultimately, the love shared with her family remains the true heart of the holiday.