Greetings! I’ve declared a brand new holiday, and I’d love for you to join in the celebration. Allow me to share a whimsical poem titled “The Best Day of the Year” to introduce it:
You’ve cooked, you’ve cleaned,
You’ve planned, you’ve dreamed,
To make the holidays bright.
Now you’re exhausted,
Buried and toasted,
In tasks that were meant to delight.You need a reprieve,
A drink (and a treat),
A little bad TV won’t hurt.
Let the family feast on leftovers,
While you savor a chocolate dessert.
All kid requests you deftly divert.“You got your new toys just yesterday!”
“No cooking today, I say!”
The car keys stay tucked in your bag,
No shower, no clothes, just comfy and saggy.
It’s December 26,
Time to indulge in some couch time fix,
The remote control is now your domain,
Pour the wine, for you’ve earned this day of gain.
Mom’s Day Off is December 26!
Excited yet? I’ve been attempting to celebrate Mom’s Day Off on December 26 for about seven years. While I don’t always succeed due to life’s chaos, I make every effort. I created this personal holiday after realizing that from December 22 to December 25, I barely sat down. By the 26th, I was utterly worn out.
The first time I celebrated, I had a toddler and a six-year-old, alongside a husband who was likely somewhere in the house. It took me four and a half hours to watch Julie & Julia, but that day remains one of my favorites. Now, when I see that movie, I instinctively start searching for a glass of red wine.
My children have grown to dislike this day. To be honest, it doesn’t help that I tease them about it all day: “Want to watch a show? Oops! Sorry! It’s Mom’s Day Off!” I can’t help but chuckle at the memory.
Interested in joining? Here are the rules:
- Mom reigns supreme over the remote from morning until night (and feel free to doze off on the couch).
- The car stays parked.
- Wine can be enjoyed starting at 11:30 a.m. (or maybe 11).
- No new meals will be prepared; leftovers only or whatever is easy to grab.
- No dressing up allowed. (Last year, I showed up to a family event in pajamas and slippers!)
- Naps are mandatory. Nap time everywhere!
- Anyone who isn’t mom is prohibited from complaining about anything. (This rule typically gets broken, but it’s worth a shot.)
What about dads? Can they partake?
Generally, I’m open to inclusion, but I hesitate to give a full endorsement. If you’re a dad, have you done your fair share to help with holiday preparations? If your answer is yes or you think it is, I’m afraid I’ve tricked you. The essential point is that you should be proactive in assisting, not acting like a visitor who just arrived on Planet Earth. If you think you can lounge on Mom’s Day Off without contributing, I assure you your partner might start dreaming of ways to silence you in your sleep. (And yes, if a kid calls out “Mom!” on December 26, just translate that to “Dad!”)
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
This article was originally published on December 23, 2015.
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In summary, December 26 is a day dedicated to giving moms a well-deserved break from the holiday hustle. With laid-back rules and a focus on relaxation, it’s a chance for mothers to reclaim their time and enjoy some much-needed pampering.