As the holiday season approaches, my to-do lists seem to multiply like rabbits, giving rise to endless mini-lists. From concerts and festive outfits to baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and countless trips to the post office, it all culminates in a sigh of relief come December 26. Despite feeling overwhelmed, I genuinely cherish this time of year. I adore the music, enjoy sipping eggnog, and relish the look of wonder on my children’s faces when they see our twinkling Christmas tree.
One of my greatest joys is my ability to infuse magic into the mundane. I can make trees sparkle for my kids, turn plush elves into playful rascals, and convince them that reindeer soar through the night sky. For now, I’m the one crafting these delightful fantasies, as my children still believe in the enchantment of the season.
Admittedly, a lot of my December is spent bending the truth. But hey, sometimes a little white lie is necessary for the sake of magic—be it about the elf, Santa, or the flying reindeer. However, the questions can be relentless:
Q: How does Santa visit Nana’s house if there’s no chimney? — our inquisitive 5-year-old asks.
A: He’s magical, sweetheart. He can do anything!
Q: How do the reindeer balance on her roof?
A: Um…magic.
Q: How does Santa devour all those cookies in one night?
A: Magic. (And, honestly, I wish I had the answer!)
I hope my daughter will let it slide, as that’s about all I can muster. My 10-year-old son will likely believe in Santa until he’s of shaving age, but my daughter has been questioning the physics of it all since she learned to talk. I know it won’t be long before she figures it out (and potentially spills the beans to her brother), so I intend to savor every moment.
Creating this magic takes time and effort—and yes, a little help from Amazon Prime. This year, I propose that moms have a chance to sit on Santa’s lap (in a non-creepy way) to ask for what we truly need to survive the holidays. We, the weary magic-makers, deserve it.
If I had the opportunity to ask Santa for a few favors, here’s what I would wish for:
- That my kids could drink a single cup of hot chocolate without turning into little monsters.
- That every calorie indulged in December would magically vanish due to my good deeds.
- That I would suddenly develop a passion for wrapping gifts like those ultra-organized folks with their ribbon drawers.
- That toy manufacturers would produce enough of the season’s hottest toys, so moms aren’t forced to buy mechanical penguins from shady backdoor deals.
- That December 26 becomes a national holiday for parents, with enforced kindness from our children and free pizza delivery.
- That my husband never discovers the price tag on the stunning holiday dress I bought for myself, which was slightly beyond my budget but does wonders for my cookie-induced figure.
- That the name “Bannon” doesn’t get mentioned at Christmas dinner.
- That I could find humor in all the inevitable holiday mishaps.
- That I remember last year’s mistake of putting my 5-year-old on the “naughty” list in my custom Santa email—definitely not my finest hour.
- That my kids would genuinely appreciate their privileged lives and not morph into whiny gremlins right after unwrapping presents like they do every year.
I’m only human, and my magical prowess will eventually wane. The Christmas tree will revert to being just a fire hazard, the elves will be tucked away until next year, and my Santa threats will lose their impact.
But I hope my children will one day look back and say, “Wow, Mom truly deserves a new car for the magic-filled childhood she gave us.”
A girl can dream.
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Summary:
The holiday season can be overwhelming for parents, filled with endless tasks and the pressure to create magical experiences for children. This article reflects on the joys and challenges of parenting during this festive time, emphasizing the importance of savoring the magical moments and humorously addressing the realities of holiday preparations.