Dear Mom,
As Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting on the incredible feat you accomplished as a single mother of six during the holidays. It’s only December 11, and I’m already feeling overwhelmed.
You often say, “I don’t know how you handle motherhood these days,” but let’s be real, Mom—you had a whole baseball team to manage, and somehow you did it all without the conveniences of the Internet. Balancing a full-time job while creating a magical Christmas experience for us each year is truly mind-boggling.
This realization hit me last night as I lay awake, mentally organizing my holiday to-do list. It struck me just how much of a superhero you were each December. Here’s how I see it:
December 1:
Me: I have my two kids write their Santa wish lists. The next day, I tackle a few writing assignments from home, then spend some time shopping online. I might even dash to Target for essentials, all while managing interruptions from the school bus and dance class. I’m feeling pretty accomplished, having almost completed my shopping, with only a few items left to pick up when my husband gets home.
You: You juggle six different Christmas lists (four for girls and two for boys), each with unique tastes. After dropping us off at two different schools, you rush off to your 9-5 job. Lunchtime means a quick sprint to the mall for a 45-minute shopping blitz before heading back to work. After your long day, you transport us to multiple soccer and football practices, squeeze in some Christmas shopping, prepare a hearty meal for all seven of us, and then stay up late, stealthily hiding presents in our already crowded home while we try to stifle our excitement.
December 15:
Me: By now, we’ve made a quick trip to Home Depot for a modest but nice Christmas tree. We enjoy a cozy evening at home, trimming the tree while sipping hot cocoa. I still have Hanukkah to prepare for, but with most of the kids’ gifts bought, I can focus on finding the perfect presents for friends and teachers to show my gratitude.
You: You skip the gifts for friends and teachers—who has the time or budget? Instead, you navigate the challenge of getting all six of us to agree on the right tree while keeping costs down. After decorating, you stay up late wrapping gifts and organizing who gets what, all while ensuring everyone feels included.
You somehow manage to make cookies with at least three or four of us, all while dealing with our constant debates over candy decorations. And as you create this beautiful holiday atmosphere, I remember the soothing sounds of John Denver and Andy Williams playing in the background while you sing along, blissfully unaware of the ten parties and events still on your calendar.
December 24:
Me: I book a reservation at our favorite local restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner because I’m exhausted. After a long stretch of holiday events, I look forward to a relaxing meal and our tradition of driving around to admire Christmas lights. Afterward, we set out cookies and milk for Santa before tucking the kids into bed. I’ll take a little time to place gifts under the tree and enjoy a quiet cocktail by the fire.
You: While we enjoy our day with Dad, you’re busy in the kitchen preparing a grand meal for the family. With last-minute wrapping still left to do and an urgent store run for forgotten items, you’re racing against time. And after all that, you spend half the night moving gifts from hiding spots to the tree, stuffing stockings to the brim, all while trying not to wake up six curious kids.
Yet, by Christmas morning, you pull off a miracle. You manage to personalize gifts for each of us, delivering everything we wished for and showering us with love—even when you might not have had the means to do so. You find the moments to instill the true spirit of the season, creating warm memories that linger with us.
And somehow, you do all of this with a smile, little sleep, no complaints, and an unwavering commitment to making Christmas special for us, even during the years when you spent the day alone while we were with Dad and our stepmom.
You might downplay the sacrifices and solitude, saying you just did what was necessary. Perhaps you see it differently than I do. Maybe the joy of the season and your love for us outweighed the juggling act and exhaustion.
But I want you to know that I see it all. As I navigate my own holiday chaos in the upcoming weeks, I’ll strive to cherish those warm moments and embrace the spirit of giving with love and gratitude, just like you did for me.
Merry Christmas, Mom!
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