Making the Holidays Sparkle: The Magic of Parenting

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Ah, the holiday season! It’s that wonderful time of year when my to-do lists swell to such epic proportions that they seem to give birth to little to-do lists of their own. Between concerts, outfits, cookies, presents, countless trips to the post office, holiday cards, stocking stuffers, and office parties, it feels like I won’t be able to exhale until December 26.

Even though I often feel like I’m drowning in chaos, I absolutely cherish this time of year. The music, the eggnog, and the sheer joy in my children’s eyes when they first see our twinkling tree create moments I hold dear.

One of my favorite parts is that I still have the power to infuse magic into the everyday. I can bring trees to life for my kids, make stuffed elves act a little naughty, and convince them that reindeer can fly. I can even let them believe that a jolly man visits our home in the dead of night, and we’re perfectly fine with it.

At this point, my kids still buy into all of it, so for now, I’m the designated magic-maker. Sure, I spend a significant amount of December spinning tales that may not hold up under scrutiny, but I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it. After all, creating magic sometimes requires a little white lie: about Santa, the elf, the flying reindeer, the North Pole’s exceptional phone service, and yes, the cookies I may or may not have devoured last night.

And then come the barrage of questions:

Q: But how does Santa get to Grandma’s without a chimney? — Our ever-doubting 5-year-old inquires.
A: He’s magic, sweetheart. He can do anything!

Q: How do the reindeer manage to stand on her slanted roof?
A: Uh… magic.

Q: How does Santa eat all those cookies in one night?
A: Magic. (I really wish I had that answer!)

I sincerely hope my daughter doesn’t press for more details, because that’s about all I’ve got. Her 10-year-old brother will probably still believe in Santa until he’s old enough to shave, but my daughter has been questioning the logistics of it all since she learned to speak. I know it won’t be long before she sees through the ruse (and likely spills the beans to her brother), so I want to savor this enchanting time.

While creating magic does require time, effort, and the wonders of online shopping, it also demands that I be at my absolute best. That’s why I propose that this year, moms should get the chance to sit on Santa’s lap (in a non-creepy way) to ask for a few things to help us survive the holiday season. We, the weary magic-makers, deserve a little something for our efforts.

Here’s what I would wish for if I could:

1. That my children could sip a single cup of hot cocoa without transforming into tiny tornadoes of chaos.
2. That every calorie I consume in December could magically vanish thanks to my good deeds.
3. For me to suddenly find joy in wrapping presents like those folks with organized ribbon drawers and wrapping-paper storage.
4. That popular toys are mass-produced effectively so moms aren’t forced to buy mechanical penguins from shady back-alley warehouse deals.
5. That December 26 gets declared a national holiday for parents, with mandatory kindness from the kids, plus foot rubs and free pizza delivery.
6. That my husband never sees the receipt for that stunning holiday dress I splurged on, which does wonders for my holiday figure.
7. That the name “Bannon” is completely off-limits at the Christmas dinner table.
8. That I can laugh at everything that inevitably goes awry.
9. That I remember not to place my 5-year-old on the “naughty” list this year when I create the custom email from Santa Claus.
10. That my kids can find genuine gratitude for their cushy lives instead of transforming into whining monsters as soon as they tear through their gifts like every other year.

I’m only human, so my magic-making skills will soon start to wane. The Christmas tree will revert back to being a regular fire hazard, the elves will retreat to their hiding spots, and the threats from Santa will no longer hold weight.

But hopefully, my children will one day look back on their childhood and think, “Wow, Mom deserves a new car for all that magic she created.” A girl can dream!

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In conclusion, while the holiday season can be overwhelming for parents, it’s also a time filled with magic and joy. Embrace the chaos and create beautiful memories!