As the festive season approaches, we’re entering the time of year when families share their holiday cards, often filled with overly posed pictures and accounts of their near-perfect lives. Many of us have that one relative who uses their Christmas card to showcase their family’s accomplishments, from exotic vacations to children receiving accolades at school and unexpected job promotions. But let’s be real—no one’s life is as flawless as they portray. That’s why we’re enamored with a holiday card that recently caught fire on social media for its unapologetic honesty.
Meet the Johnson Family
Meet the Johnson family: Joe, Sarah, and their kids—four-year-old Max, ten-year-old Jake, and 19-year-old Lily. This year has been eventful for them, and Sarah has laid it all out in their Christmas card.
Max: The Toddler
Take little Max, for example. “Constantly whines and refuses to sleep at bedtime,” the card humorously states. “He throws a fit when dessert isn’t Gushers.” Unlike those holiday updates that rave about perfect little artists, Sarah notes, “The art he brings home from daycare is just plain terrible. Our pride and joy (and the reason we drink a bit more wine).” Can anyone relate? If you’ve got a toddler, you know exactly what she means!
Jake: The Energetic 10-Year-Old
Next up is Jake, the energetic 10-year-old. “Our spirited yet somewhat uncoordinated son just got cut from a soccer team that doesn’t even keep score—how does that even happen? He spends most of his time glued to his iPad,” Sarah writes. Honestly, Jake sounds like a younger version of many of us. Oh, and this year, Jake also let slip his first curse word. While Sarah may not be thrilled about it, getting to nine without a slip-up isn’t too shabby, right?
Lily: The College-Bound Teen
Then there’s Lily, the college-bound teen whose future plans are a bit unconventional. Instead of sharing her achievements, Sarah reveals, “Lily was let go from her job at a local boutique after telling her manager, ‘Just because I’m on the schedule doesn’t mean I need to show up.’” But she’s got a plan—she’s considering dropping out of college to pursue fame on Instagram. Talk about a modern approach! Sarah also mentions that Lily has gone over her phone data limit every month and recently faced grounding for sneaking a guy into the house for a movie night. She may not be aiming for a corporate ladder, but you can’t help but admire her spirit, whether you’re a parent or a former rebellious teen.
Insights on Marriage
Sarah even shares candid insights about her marriage with Joe—no sugarcoating here. “Joe still insists on tucking his t-shirts into his jeans and recently dipped into our retirement fund to buy a fishing boat. His golf shoes are currently piled on the stairs, despite my repeated requests to take them upstairs.” Ouch! Joe, you might want to step up your game if you don’t want to end up in the next card.
A New Tradition?
People are rallying behind this refreshing take on holiday greetings. Should we make honesty in holiday cards a new tradition? Those polished updates aren’t reflective of real life. If the Johnsons were part of your family, receiving a card like this would only deepen your affection for them.
Further Reading
For more insights on family dynamics and self-insemination, you can explore this resource. If you’re on a journey towards parenthood, check out this guide, which offers expert advice. Additionally, for general information on fertility, you might find this link useful.
Conclusion
In summary, the Johnson family’s holiday card is a breath of fresh air, showcasing the ups and downs of family life with humor and honesty. It reminds us that perfection is a myth and that embracing our realities can bring us closer together.