As the last leaves fall from the trees and the days turn colder, we are reminded that winter is just around the corner. It’s not only a season but a reminder that the holidays are upon us.
This can be a very exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Simple tasks like going to the mall or food shopping seem to force us into a festive bubble we don’t expect to be in. Christmas trees and Santa greeting us as soon as we cross the threshold of our favorite store can be a little much, especially when we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving!
Not only do retailers like to surprise us with an in-your-face holiday hiya, but it also creates a problem when we try to expedite our shopping. At the same time, our little ones lag behind, admiring the premature Winter Wonderland.
It’s a holiday frenzy! Some folks may find that the cozy décor and bedazzled pine trees help them get into the holiday spirit. Others may sing a different tune, and it’s not jingle bells.
You will most likely encounter these two groups while out and about right before Thanksgiving. The malls may not be filled with as many people due to the convenience of online shopping, but, likely, you’ll still encounter a crowd looking for bargains.
Those who prefer to keep their usual year-round shopping routines intact despite the holiday rush may find that running into clusters of people throws them off and may even bring out their inner Grinch. This group prefers to go with the flow and keep things as normal as possible before the holiday frenzy begins.
Gifts may have even been purchased during the summer months and stashed away long before the appearance of Christmas trees in storefronts. However, no matter which side of the slippery slope you’re on, we can all agree that the onset of the holidays can be overwhelming.
Above all else, our main priority is to check off every item on our children’s wish lists, and we will stop at nothing to attain our gift-giving goal. As we load up our Amazon carts, we become consumed with worry about whether or not our packages will arrive on time, which undoubtedly ushers in panic and worry. While looking for the best deals online, our kids are waiting (not so patiently) by the front door to participate in all the holiday fun we planned for them. (Santa won’t wait forever).
Between our kids’ winter concerts at school and planning winter break getaways, moms tend to become frazzled and lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the season.
The transition from a typical life to holiday life may be challenging; it seems like there is no gray area when it comes to that awkward time between Turkey Day and the days leading up to the big event. Sadly, amidst all the chaos of gift wrapping and holiday parties, empty window seats remain at our favorite coffee shops, untouched mounds of magic made especially for snowball fights, and untouched lattes abandoned for Cyber Monday deals. These little things make the holiday transition memorable and relaxed instead of chaotic and rushed.
The season of fun play dates, parties, and gift grabs that entertain our kiddos but fill up our calendars seems to fly by unapologetically. With shopping to do, holiday meals to prepare, and gifts to wrap, it’s hard for moms to find time for self-care and good old-fashioned quiet time.
No matter how much time we set aside for ourselves (which is not a lot), we always cut our holiday-themed mani-pedis short for a last-minute gift card gallop (no pun intended) to Starbucks.
There is no denying that winter is a magical time, but like everything else in life, it can’t be snowflakes and candy canes every day.
Uninvited snowstorms and school closings often accompany the frigid season. These seem to always show up at the worst times, leaving moms victim to the dreaded snow day. Although this icy inconvenience can push back our plans for shopping and wrapping, it allows us to reconnect with our kids and enjoy the cozy void the day brings.
The key is to find a happy medium. Christmas trees, sweet treats, lights, and dreidels will always be front and center, and parties, fun family gatherings, and Secret Santa reign supreme when the word “holiday” comes to mind.
We live for snowy mornings spent with our kiddos drinking mugs of hot chocolate with candy cane swirls. Sitting by the Christmas tree/Menorah admiring its sparkle is something to be treasured, and so as you prepare for another year to come to a close, be sure to reflect on both the beauty and the baggage it brought, for this sets the tone for crisp endings and even sweeter beginnings.
