As a mom, I so look forward to time with my kids, and this Winter Break was something I was truly excited about! Time decorating the house, singing Christmas Carols, crafting and baking. It was just going to be wonderful, the Norman Rockwell Christmas Card with our family carefully painted on the front. I could see it clearly.
Three weeks is an exceptionally long time to be off in the middle of the school year, right? We slept in, ate all day and tended to argue with one another more than usual. So much for Norman Rockwell. We were becoming more like the Simpsons. Not really, but we were taking it easy for sure! I did make my son do homework and study each day (I know, mean mom!). We did do some baking, decorated the house and did a few crafts with Grammy but other than that, nada.
I guess it's natural that we mommas and folks in general, set our own expectations high for the holidays. In my head, I want everything to be perfect for the family and for my friends. But reality says, do what you can, love greatly and enjoy each moment for what it is. Even if it is just watching a movie together, taking a walk or reading a good book.
Did I mention that this was a No Present Christmas? Yep, with me not working, the kids knew that it was about family and they were OK with it, probably more than I was in the beginning. Mommer would be here for a few days and everyone would be over on Christmas to celebrate, eat and just be together. So if you're wondering how it went, it was memorable in the sweetest way. The kids were content with gift certs for one week of no chores or a coupon for a super room cleaning while at school, and a few love notes thrown in too. They more than survived, in fact my daughter even said it was her favorite Christmas EVER.
So the dilemma: stress and still don't meet the expectations or make a plan and what happens, happens. I'm learning. It's taken me a heck of a long time, and I'm still working on it but...I'm learning to be a bit more forgiving with myself.
