Before kids, Christmas felt a lot less stressful. My first year as a mom, I found myself buying Christmas presents in the Spring. I stored them away in a closet and would pick up toys and gifts all year long. I think that’s the most significant change for me because, before my little one, Christmas didn’t start until the leftover turkey was gone from my fridge. Christmas as a mom is just not the same.

I have noticed that every year my tree is going up earlier and earlier. It’s amazing what lights and a tree can do to the ambience of a home, isn’t it? You automatically want to make gumbo, drink hot cocoa, and watch Elf for the seven millionth time.

It’s a tough job to be a mom. Sometimes, it’s thankless, and no other time is harder and more stressful than at Christmas time. There are presents to wrap, cards to address, parties to plan, and Christmas outfits to procure, among the many other chores and responsibilities.

I’m tired, I’m exhausted, and I’m at my wits end, but it will get done because I’m a mom!

Since Toy-R-Us has kicked the bucket, we are down to Walmart and Target for our “in store” Holiday shopping. I’m more of an Amazon-in-my-PJs type of Mom anyway. However, I do miss the 
allure of going to the mall when it’s buzzing and decorated for Christmas. As mom, I dread that situation at all costs.

Topping it all off with the one and only, Santa Claus. It can be so frustrating to run around town for weeks, spend countless hours online scouring the Internet for that specific hot new toy or gadget this season. Saint Nick swoops in like Micheal Jordan to steal all of our glory. It’s not fair!

I seriously debated this year on spilling the beans to my little one. Realistically, she can’t have too much longer left before the kids at school ruin it for her anyway. It all seems worth it when I get a tap on my shoulder on Christmas morning, “Mom! Mom! Santa came to our house!“

In that moment, we forget about all the stress that lead to that very moment. The innocent giggles of our children as they tear through the wrapping paper, the wrapping paper we so carefully wrapped and purchased in bulk so that all the presents match, is really what makes being a mom priceless.

To all the tired and exhausted moms out there who think they can’t go on, we raise our glasses and salute you. Keep up the good work, Mom! Here is your holiday reminder that you can do it.

So when your kids change their Christmas list a week before Santa arrives, turn up their noses at your perfect Christmas dinner, or gasp, unwrap your perfectly wrapped presents under the tree, just remember it will all be worth it on Christmas Day.

It’s all about remembering the magic of the holiday and that Jesus is the reason for this season.

But first, pour that glass of wine or eggnog and finish that huge pile of presents that still need wrapping. ■