The holiday season is upon us, and my to-do lists have swelled to the point where they seem to be giving birth to new ones. Between concerts, outfits, baking cookies, shopping for gifts, countless trips to the post office, sending holiday cards, stocking stuffers, and office parties, it all builds up until I finally exhale on December 26.
Despite the overwhelming nature of it all, I genuinely cherish this time of year. The music, the rich eggnog, and the awe in my children’s eyes when they see our beautifully lit tree bring me immense joy. I still relish the power to transform ordinary moments into magical experiences. I can breathe life into our Christmas tree, turn stuffed elves into mischievous troublemakers, and convince my kids that reindeer really do fly and that a jolly man can enter our home under the cover of night.
At their age, my children are still believers, and for now, I’m the one who creates that magic. Admittedly, much of December involves a fair bit of fibbing to my kids. But I have no qualms about it; creating magic often calls for a little imaginative storytelling regarding elves, Santa, the mystery of flying reindeer, and the North Pole’s ability to handle calls without notice.
Still, the questions just keep coming:
Q: How does Santa visit Grandma’s house when there’s no chimney? — our inquisitive 5-year-old wonders.
A: He’s magical, sweetie. He can do anything.
Q: How do the reindeer stay on her sloped roof?
A: Magic, of course.
Q: How does Santa manage to eat all those cookies in one night?
A: Magic! (And I wish I knew the secret.)
I just hope my daughter doesn’t push for more answers because that’s about all I’ve got. Her brother, at ten, will probably believe in Santa until he’s old enough to shave, but my daughter has been questioning the logic behind it all since she learned to talk. I know her time of belief is limited, so I want to make the most of our time together.
Creating this magic demands effort, time, and yes, a little help from Amazon Prime. This year, I’m proposing that moms get their turn on Santa’s lap (not inappropriately, of course) to ask for what we truly need to survive the holiday madness. We, the exhausted conjurers of holiday cheer.
Here’s what I would request from Santa if given the chance:
- That my kids could sip a single cup of hot chocolate without turning into little gremlins.
- That every calorie consumed in December magically disappears thanks to all the good deeds I’m doing.
- That I suddenly develop a passion for wrapping gifts, akin to those who have organizational drawers for ribbons and racks for wrapping paper.
- That toy manufacturers actually manage to produce enough of the season’s hottest items so moms don’t feel like they’re engaging in black-market deals for stuffed penguins.
- For December 26 to be declared a national holiday for parents with mandatory niceness from the kids, including foot massages and complimentary pizza deliveries.
- That my husband never sees the receipt for that holiday dress I bought myself, which may have stretched my budget but does wonders for my cookie-induced figure.
- That the name “Bannon” is entirely off-limits during Christmas dinner.
- That I’ll have the ability to laugh at all the inevitable hiccups.
- That I remember last year’s Santa email debacle and don’t mistakenly label my 5-year-old as “naughty” — a major misstep I regret.
- That my kids experience genuine gratitude for their comfortable lives and don’t turn into whining monsters right after unwrapping their gifts, as they have in previous years.
As a mere mortal, my magic-making powers will eventually wane. The Christmas tree will revert to being just a fire hazard, the elves will retreat to their hiding spots, and the threats of Santa will lose their impact.
Yet, I hope that someday my children will reflect on their childhood and think, “Wow, Mom deserves a new car for all that magic she created for us.” A girl can dream.
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Summary
The holiday season brings joy and chaos, as parents strive to create magical experiences for their children. Amid the overwhelming to-do lists and festive preparations, it’s essential to cherish these moments, even while navigating the inevitable questions and challenges. The magic of the holidays often requires a little creativity and humor, as well as a few heartfelt wishes for a smoother season ahead.