It’s that time of year when my to-do lists swell to epic proportions, creating mini-lists that sprout from the main event. From school concerts to festive outfits, baking cookies, wrapping gifts, countless trips to the post office, holiday cards, stocking stuffers, and office parties, it all culminates in a sigh of relief on December 26.
Despite the chaos, I genuinely cherish this time of year. The music, the eggnog, and the sparkle in my children’s eyes when they first see our beautifully decorated tree fill my heart with joy. I still have the power to infuse everyday moments with a sense of wonder. I can make it seem like trees are alive, that mischievous elves are causing trouble, and I can convince my kids that reindeer can fly. I’ve even managed to create a narrative where a jolly man visits us in the dead of night, and everyone is perfectly fine with it.
My children are still at the age of belief, and for now, I’m the one crafting this magic. Yes, I spend a significant portion of December weaving tales for my kids, and I don’t feel guilty about it one bit. Sometimes, a little white lie about elves, Santa, and the North Pole’s magical features is all part of the festive spirit.
Questions from the Inquisitive Mind
But the questions keep coming:
Q: “How does Santa visit Nana if she doesn’t have a chimney?” — my inquisitive 5-year-old inquires.
A: “He’s magic, sweetheart. He can do anything.”
Q: “But how do the reindeer stay on her slanted roof?”
A: “Um…magic.”
Q: “How does he eat all those cookies in one night?”
A: “Magic! (And I really wish I had the answer to that.)”
I’m really hoping my daughter lets it slide because that’s about all I’ve got left. While my 10-year-old son might believe in Santa forever, my daughter has been questioning the logic behind it all since she learned to talk. I know the day will come when she figures it all out, and I want to relish this magical phase for as long as possible.
The Effort Behind the Magic
Creating this magic demands effort, time, and a bit of help—thank you, Amazon Prime! This year, I propose that moms get their chance to sit on Santa’s lap (in a completely innocent way) and request what we truly need to survive the holidays. We, the weary and drained magic-makers.
What I Would Ask Santa For
Here’s what I would ask Santa for:
- For my kids to enjoy one cup of hot chocolate without turning into a chaotic whirlwind.
- That all calories consumed in December magically disappear due to my charitable deeds.
- For me to suddenly develop a passion for wrapping gifts like those who have entire ribbon collections.
- That toy manufacturers actually mass-produce the season’s hottest items so moms aren’t forced to buy them under the radar.
- A national holiday on December 26 for parents, complete with mandatory kindness from the kids, foot massages, and pizza delivery.
- That my husband never discovers the price tag on that fabulous holiday dress I bought for myself—it’s worth it!
- That the name “Bannon” doesn’t come up at Christmas dinner.
- That I can laugh at the inevitable mishaps that arise.
- That I remember last year’s mistake of putting my 5-year-old on the naughty list when creating a custom Santa email—big regret.
- That my kids genuinely appreciate their fortunate lives and don’t morph into whiny monsters after unwrapping their gifts.
As a mere mortal, my magic-making powers will eventually fade. The Christmas tree will lose its charm, the elves will retreat to hiding, and my threats from Santa will no longer hold weight. But I hope my children will look back and say, “Wow, Mom really created a magical childhood for us.” A girl can dream.
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In Summary
The holiday season is a chaotic blend of joy and stress, filled with the magic we create for our children. While the logistics can be overwhelming, the memories we make are what truly matter.