Greetings! I am excited to introduce a newly conceived holiday, and I invite everyone to join in the celebration. To give you a glimpse into this special day, I’ve penned a little poem titled “The Best Day of the Year”:
You’ve cooked, you’ve cleaned,
You’ve planned, you’ve dreamed to make the season bright.
Now you’re exhausted,
Overwhelmed and lost in tasks that were meant to bring delight.
You deserve a pause,
A drink (and perhaps some cake) —
A bit of guilty TV wouldn’t go amiss.
Let the family feast on leftovers,
While you indulge in sweet treats galore,
Redirecting all kid requests with bliss.
“You got new toys just yesterday!”
“No cooking today, I must say!”
Your car keys stay put in your bag,
No shower, no clothes but comfy pajamas,
Even your hair can go limp and sag.
It’s December 26,
Time to relish your one-day fix
Of being the Empress of the Couch.
The remote is exclusively yours,
Pour yourself some wine,
You’ve certainly earned it today, no doubt!
Moms’ Day Off is December 26! Are you ready to celebrate? I’ve been trying to observe this day for about seven years. Though I don’t always succeed due to scheduling conflicts, I make a strong effort to carve out this time for myself. This personal holiday was born out of the realization that from December 22 to December 25, I barely sat down. By the 26th, I was completely drained.
My inaugural Moms’ Day Off took place when I had a 13-month-old and a 6-year-old, along with a husband who was supposedly somewhere in the house. Watching Julie & Julia took me a staggering four and a half hours, but it remains one of my fondest memories. To this day, I have a Pavlovian reaction to that movie — the moment it plays, I instinctively search for the red wine.
My children have grown to dread this day. Admittedly, I might not help their feelings by teasing them throughout. “Want to watch something on TV? Oops! Sorry, it’s Moms’ Day Off!” I can’t help but chuckle at the thought.
Would you like to join me in this celebration? Here are the guidelines:
- Mom is the Supreme Ruler of the remote from the moment she wakes until bedtime (and she can even nod off on the couch if she chooses).
- The car remains idle in the driveway.
- Wine consumption may commence at 11:30 a.m. (or even 11, if you’re feeling bold).
- No new meals will be prepared; the menu consists of leftovers or anything that’s easy to serve.
- Pajamas are mandatory; in fact, I adhered to this rule so stringently last year that I showed up to a family event in my PJs and slippers.
- Naps are essential — all day long.
- Anyone who isn’t mom is prohibited from complaining. (This rule is often broken, but it’s worth a shot.)
Regarding fathers: Can they partake too?
I generally aim for inclusivity, but I’m cautious about giving an outright approval. Dads who have genuinely contributed to holiday preparations are welcome, while those who haven’t might want to reconsider their participation. If your presence on Moms’ Day Off consists of lounging on the couch without having lifted a finger during the holiday chaos, be warned — your partner may start fantasizing about smothering you in your sleep. (And yes, if a child yells “Mom!” on December 26, feel free to translate that to “Dad!”)
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
This article was originally shared on December 23, 2015. For more insights on related topics, check out this informative post at Intracervical Insemination and explore Make a Mom’s authority on the subject. Additionally, Rmany offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination, which you may find useful.
Summary:
December 26 is a newly established holiday known as Moms’ Day Off, designed for mothers to take a well-deserved break after the holiday hustle. The day is centered around relaxation, indulgence, and self-care, with specific rules to ensure that moms can enjoy their time without the usual responsibilities. While the holiday is primarily for moms, dads are encouraged to contribute positively, ensuring a harmonious celebration.