As the holidays approach, I embrace my role as a “Yes” mom, and I can confidently say it’s worth every moment. Just the other night, while decorating for Christmas, my son, Alex, suggested we order pizza and adorn the tree while enjoying our meal. Despite having leftovers waiting in the fridge, I immediately agreed. What could be more delightful than spending time with my teenager, indulging in pizza and festive music? I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
I’ve always been a “holiday pushover,” and I’ve learned to embrace that. My kids have figured this out, and they certainly know how to take advantage of it. When we hit the grocery store, they know that holiday treats are a free-for-all. Candy canes? Absolutely. Delectable cookies? Bring them on. A rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream from our local café on the way home from school? Why not?
Family Traditions and Celebrations
Our family fully embraces the holiday spirit, taking part in all the classic traditions. Each year, we don matching Christmas pajamas, drive around to admire the dazzling lights, and catch all the latest holiday movies — with plenty of popcorn, of course. They love picking out gifts for their friends, and I happily hand over my wallet, knowing we can find fantastic treasures at the local dollar section. Often, they request to take a day off before winter break, and I gladly oblige. Those days are typically spent lounging in our pajamas by the fire, enjoying the simple pleasure of doing nothing together.
This isn’t about spoiling my children; it’s about celebrating the time we have together. The holiday season is the one period when I say “yes” far more than I say “no.” By letting go of our usual routine, I’m reminded to slow down and truly soak in the magic of this time of year. Without these little indulgences, I would likely rush through the season, checking tasks off my list instead of relishing every moment.
Creating a Sense of Wonder
One of the main reasons I was eager to become a parent was to create that sense of wonder during the holidays. As a child, I longed to celebrate early, stretch the season out, and make it last as long as possible. Now, my kids remind me each year that I can fulfill those childhood dreams — for both them and myself. When they ask to do something festive, my answer is usually, “Why not?”
These holiday seasons are precious but fleeting. My children won’t always be under my roof; my youngest will turn 18 in just five years. I can’t predict where life will lead them. I know there will come a day when I walk through the grocery store alone, see the holiday treats, and miss their eager hands reaching for their favorites. The thought of that moment is heart-wrenching.
Making the Most of Our Time Together
So, I intend to make the most of our time together now. Bring on the late nights filled with candy and movie marathons. I’ll let them raid the dollar section to fill stockings for their friends. We’ll sample every holiday treat and let them host a Christmas party with their buddies, all without any complaints from me. The fridge will be stocked with eggnog, and I’ll place a few extra gifts under the tree.
These traditions are a reminder of the time I have to celebrate the holidays with my children, and I refuse to take it for granted. From now until the end of the year, I’ll go all out, even if it means sacrificing a bit of my own comfort. While my children may return home for many holidays in the future, none will compare to these cherished years when we all still share a home. That’s all the justification I need to indulge and spoil my kids, and I won’t regret being a little extra during this special season.
Resources for Family and Holiday Planning
If you’re interested in more about the joys of family and holiday traditions, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit. For those exploring family planning, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. And don’t forget to visit March of Dimes for more information on fertility treatment and support.
Conclusion
In summary, being a “Yes” mom during the holidays enriches our family experiences and strengthens our bonds. The joy and magic of the season are worth every moment spent celebrating together.