Every year in October, I start getting the tingly excitement for Christmas. I attribute most of this excitement to well-timed Hallmark movies, late night Pinterest scroll sessions, and Instagram influencer holiday reels. In October, I feel like I can do all the things I see others do. The visions I have of holiday scenes, movie days under blankets, and cozy nights at home are all I can think about. I have even found myself making a daily “to-do” list for each day in December with seasonal activities like making cookies, Christmas bake-a-thons, driving to see lights, etc.
Then comes December 4th and reality sets in.
By this point, I’ve realized that none of the things I’ve envisioned are unattainable. They are just unattainable for me…in my season of life…and with my family. One of these days, I’ll have perfectly made cookies, Hallmark movie marathons, and quiet nights by the fire. But it’s not today or tomorrow or even next year for me.
What we have in this season is a realistic Christmas. A season filled with sugar, tantrums, emotional breakdowns, less sleep, unbelievable excitement, core memories, tantrums, whining, those darn elves, and more tantrums. Chances are, you have had, are having, or will have a realistic Christmas too.
Below are the sugarplum visions that dance in my head followed by the true-life events inspired by my family:
My Vision: Perfectly scratch-made cookies, wrapped with tender care. I’ll give them to the neighbors with plenty of time to spare. The kids all helped me bake, they even cleaned up too. And then they said they loved me, and I said I loved them too.
My Reality: WHAT, tomorrow’s Christmas??? and off to Kroger I go. I’ll buy the pre-made cookie tray because they’ll never know. The teen child found the cookies and took them to his lair, he knows I’ll never find them since I won’t step foot in there.
My Vision: Rudolph brownies are sure to please, bring the children to their knees. Pretzel ears and a candy nose, surely the kids will fight over those. Every kid loves sugar, and my kids love a treat. I’ll post the pics on Instagram of all of them as they eat.
My Reality: Rudolph brownies, not gluten free, everyone else can eat them but me. The pretzel ears are broken, the nose just will not stay, my middle son informs me he’s not eating chocolate today. Today he’s eating “healthy,” a carrot is what he picks. I left the brownies in too long so now they’re Rudolph bricks.
My Vision: Family Christmas pictures, all dressed to the nines, not a single hair is out of place, not a single kid whines. Their smiles are on point, not a sucker in sight, the photographer tells us that our kids are pure delight.
My Reality: Get out the door, we’re running late, my kids all wearing the clothes they hate. I’ve stuffed my pockets with lots of candy and five minutes later it comes in handy. The candy ran out, I’m down on my knees. I’m yelling, “Calm down and for God’s sake, say cheese!”
My Vision: A night with the family to go look at lights. We sip our hot chocolate and take in the sights. A car filled with carols, everyone sings, Oh Holy Night, what joy it all brings.
My Reality: A forced night of fun, no one wants to go. “The lights all look the same”…didn’t you know? We spill our hot chocolate and break up the fights, the kids are all crying and missing the lights. A car filled with crumbs and other sticky things…what a mess this trip brings.
So while it may not be merry and it’s not always bright, if your home’s filled with laughter then you’ve done something right.
