Tis the season for holiday cards, and with it comes a parade of perfectly staged snapshots of distant relatives and their seemingly flawless families. We all know those folks who seize the opportunity to showcase their lives, regaling us with tales of epic vacations, their children’s latest accolades, and unexpected job promotions. The reality is, no one’s life is that picture-perfect, which is why we’re absolutely here for this mom’s refreshingly candid Christmas card that made its way to Reddit.
Introducing the Johnson Family
Introducing the Johnson family: Dad Mark, Mom Sarah, and their three kids—three-year-old Ethan, nine-year-old Alex, and 18-year-old Zoe. They’ve had quite a year, and Sarah has laid it all out in their holiday card.
Ethan’s Adventures
Starting with little Ethan, Sarah writes, “Whines non-stop and refuses to sleep when asked. Cries for snacks after dinner.” Remember that cousin whose holiday card sang praises of her daughter’s ‘exceptional’ art skills? Not for Ethan! “Most of the art he brings home from daycare is just scribbles,” Sarah quips. “Our pride and joy (and the main reason for our wine consumption).” Raise your hand if you can relate to this about your own toddler—even down to the less-than-stellar artwork!
Alex’s Year
Next, Sarah gives us a glimpse into what nine-year-old Alex has been up to this year. “Our lively yet surprisingly uncoordinated 9-year-old just got cut from a soccer team that doesn’t even keep score, which is an accomplishment in its own right! He spends most of his time glued to his tablet,” she shares. Honestly, Alex sounds like a mini-version of someone we all know. We also find out that he uttered his first curse word this year. While Sarah may not be thrilled, if your kid can make it to nine without dropping F-bombs, you must be doing something right!
Zoe’s Journey
Now let’s talk about Zoe. While many families use their holiday cards to boast about their 18-year-olds’ bright futures, Zoe is taking a different approach. She “was let go from her part-time job after telling her boss, ‘just because I’m scheduled doesn’t mean I have to come in.’” But Zoe has a plan—she’s aiming to become famous on Instagram, Sarah explains. Zoe also goes over her data plan monthly and recently got grounded for sneaking a boy into the house to “watch a film.” While she may not be on the path to corporate leadership, her journey is relatable for anyone who’s been a teenager or a parent.
Mark’s Quirks
Sarah doesn’t hold back when discussing her relationship with Mark either. There’s no sugar-coating here. “Mark still tucks his shirts into his jeans and just withdrew money from our retirement fund to buy a fishing boat,” she writes. “His golf shoes are still on the stairs after I asked him three times to put them away.” Mark, take note—neglecting to help with the holiday cards means you might end up in the spotlight too, my friend!
A Trend Worth Embracing
People are embracing the idea of a card that tells it like it is. Can we make honest holiday cards a trend? The airbrushed updates don’t reflect reality. This candid glimpse into the Johnsons’ life would make me love them even more if they were my family.
Further Reading
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In summary, the Johnson family’s humorous and sincere Christmas card breaks the mold of traditional holiday greetings, reminding us that imperfection is part of the family experience.