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Why This Mother is Ready to Abandon Christmas
You may be thinking, “Is she seriously considering QUITTING Christmas? A mother of four? That Christmas?” Yes, indeed. I’m over it and by “done,” I mean I am exhausted with how we, as mothers, have come to celebrate the holiday.
Christmas has shifted away from a sacred celebration of our Savior’s birth to a whirlwind of chaos. Gone are the serene Silent Nights and peaceful moments of reflection. Instead, brace yourself for 30 days of “joyful” holiday preparations that look more like this:
- Family Holiday Photos: It might just be my family, but the only successful holiday photo I ever managed was when my kids were asleep. Getting four boys and one adult to dress nicely, smile, and stay still? Impossible. I once took a picture of them in matching pajamas, snapping over sixty shots. After countless ridiculous poses, I became hysterical, pleading for just one decent picture. Miraculously, I captured a great shot amidst their shock. This year? I’m thinking of using their school photos and calling it quits.
- The Holiday Letter: Everyone seems to send out those lengthy, detailed family letters highlighting their year’s achievements. If you’re the one writing these, skip ahead. If you relish reading them for comedic relief, you know what I’m talking about. Instead of boasting about glorified accomplishments, I’m tempted to share the Fenton family reality: no promotions, constant chaos, and lots of love—even when it’s tough.
- Decorating: One word: Pinterest. The pressure to create a magical holiday atmosphere is overwhelming. I threw in the towel on decorating my Christmas tree years ago. After a disastrous attempt at creating a beautiful display, I let my kids take the reins. Last year, after a moment of bliss watching the twinkling lights, the whole tree collapsed. Serenity in chaos is what motherhood teaches you, I suppose!
- Holiday Gatherings: “Bring a dish!” “Participate in a gift exchange!” Why do these parties pop up everywhere? I used to host my own, but now I find myself overwhelmed. The joy of gathering turns into a chore. This year, I’m putting my foot down—no more holiday parties; let’s just exchange Valentine’s cards instead.
- Christmas Plays: Before children, I envisioned sweet little angels and a perfect Nativity scene. Reality hit hard when I volunteered to organize our church’s Christmas play. Late-night sewing sessions and uncooperative children turned the experience into a nightmare. I’ve learned to step back and let the kids shine without my involvement. This year, I’ll enjoy watching them from the sidelines.
- Toy Assembly: Ah, the joy of Christmas Eve toy assembly. No matter how early I prepare, my husband always waits until the last minute to put everything together. The chaos of assembling toys while exhausted is a rite of passage for many parents. Yet, as they gleefully unwrap their gifts, the madness fades away—much like childbirth.
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In summary, the holiday season has transformed from a time of joy and reflection to a series of exhausting tasks that often overshadow the true meaning of Christmas. As I navigate this chaotic season, I’m learning to embrace the imperfections and focus on what truly matters: love and family.