Dear Mom,
As December rolls in, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary feat you accomplished as a single mother managing six children during the holiday season. With only a few weeks into the month, I’m already feeling overwhelmed, and I can’t help but marvel at how you juggled everything.
You often express amazement at how I handle motherhood today, but honestly, Mom, you were like a superhero. You managed a virtual baseball team of kids while also working full-time and crafting a festive holiday atmosphere, all without the conveniences of the internet. It’s truly astounding.
This realization hit me late last night as I was mentally organizing my lengthy holiday to-do list. It dawned on me just how remarkable you were each December. Here’s a glimpse of how our holiday experiences compare:
December 1
Me: I guide my two kids in writing their Christmas lists for Santa. The following day, I tackle a few writing projects, spend a couple of hours shopping online, and perhaps run to the local store for essentials. I’m interrupted by the school bus, homework, and dance class, but that’s alright; I’m nearly finished with the bulk of my shopping, aside from a few things I’ll assign to my partner. We’ll have a quiet evening waiting for packages to arrive.
You: You manage six distinct Christmas lists with varying interests, all while driving your worn-out car to drop us off at two different schools before heading to your office job. Lunchtime finds you racing to the mall for a quick shopping spree, then back to work. After your shift, you shuttle us to countless sports practices, squeeze in a bit more shopping, prepare a hearty meal for our large family, and then stay up late stashing gifts in every nook of our already cramped home. The next morning, you rise early to repeat the cycle.
December 15
Me: By now, we’ve made a quick trip to grab a modest Christmas tree, and we enjoy a cozy evening decorating it together, sipping hot cocoa. While I still have Hanukkah preparations, I can focus on selecting gifts for friends and teachers.
You: You skip gifts for friends and teachers because time and money are scarce. In the midst of your routine, you manage to find a tree that all six of us can agree on without breaking the bank. You stay up late wrapping presents and preparing everything to ensure fairness among us all, dealing with the chaos of baking Christmas cookies with several of us, all while holiday music plays in the background.
December 24
Me: I make a reservation at our favorite local restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner, feeling too exhausted to cook. I look forward to a relaxing evening filled with good food and the tradition of driving around to admire Christmas lights. We set out cookies for Santa and tuck the kids in, while I prepare to enjoy a quiet evening by the fire.
You: While we spend the day with Dad, you are bustling in the kitchen, preparing a grand family feast. With last-minute wrapping and frantic store trips, you feel the pressure as you try to manage six kids, all while staying up late to fill stockings and arrange gifts, all the while listening for any noise from our bedrooms.
Yet, somehow, by Christmas morning, you manage to create a magical experience for each of us, delivering exactly what we wished for and filling our hearts with joy. You find the time to teach us the true spirit of the season, all while maintaining a smile through it all.
I know you often downplay the hard work and loneliness, saying, “You just did what you had to do.” But I want you to know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed. As I navigate the upcoming weeks, I will remember to cherish the special moments and carry forward the love and gratitude you instilled in me.
Merry Christmas, Mom!
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In summary, the holidays can be overwhelming for any parent, especially single mothers who take on the monumental task of creating a joyful season for their families. Acknowledging their hard work and sacrifices is essential, as they often go unnoticed amidst the busy holiday preparations.