The Christmas Mom ~ A Note from Katy

By Katy Agro Myers

I know a lot of moms. I have multiple group text chats going on - and this is such a crazy time of year. Everyone is drowning. On top of the regular mental load, there's the Christmas mental load. Managing the calendar, school events, family events, doctor's appointments, etc. I feel like I can't keep any of it straight anymore. Add on the fact that I was down for the count most of November and already playing catch up.

I'm trying to give myself grace. I'm trying to live in the moment and be present for all the holiday magic. I'm removing things from my to-do list. We won't get to take family photos this year and I probably won't get around to sending Christmas cards. We may not get to make all of the DIY holiday light displays I've been dreaming of for our house. We may not even get to every single holiday tradition we have. We might not bake cookies (or we may buy some take-and-bakes), we may not make it to every party. I will probably forget to buy a gift for someone. And guys - I totally threw myself a pity party yesterday over all of this.

My twins are turning nine next week and along with all the emotions of them growing up, I also have the feels about the fact that I know not believing in Santa or his elves is right around the corner. I cringe when I hear them talking to kids from school wondering if someone will spill the beans. I'm not ready for them to grow up. I wonder if it's the last year they will believe and I'm not going to be able to do all the things that I wanted to make this season magical.

But here's the thing. Will it not be magical? Really. Hear me out. Will my kids miss out on the magic of the season if I don't send Christmas cards? Heck they'll probably celebrate they don't have to dress up and pose for pictures! Will they miss out on something special if we don't build that giant lighted star for the roof? If the tree in my kitchen is not decorated before the brunch i'm hosting next week, will the world end? NO. The answer to all of this is NO!

So I'm saying this out loud now (or writing it I guess). Take a break, Mama. Give yourself an "A for Effort". Take something off your todo list and replace it with something that brings you joy. Paint your nails. Go for a walk. Have coffee with a friend. Soak in some extra snuggles. Buy yourself an Advent Calendar. That old Christmas Mom. The one who was trying to do ALLLL the things? Make her the Christmas Mom of the Past and replace her with the Christmas Mom of the Present and help her focus on what brings JOY into her life. Good ole Scrooge would approve, I promise.

xoxo,

Katy