Once again, it’s that special time of year when moms everywhere are freaking out over the holidays. What should I buy, what do they want, where are the sales? Don’t forget the teachers, the mail carriers, coaches and housekeepers. Cookies, parties and Christmas cards, photos with Santa, Christmas outfits and decorating the tree. Don’t forget hiding and wrapping the piles of gifts, new Christmas PJ’s and stocking stuffers for all, including the dog.
Yes, you may have guessed, I’m just a tad bit stressed. Every year when I’m out shoppng on Christmas Eve and wrapping till 4 am I say the same thing…”NEXT YEAR, I’M GOING TO START EARLY AND GET EVERYTHING DONE SO I CAN SIT BACK AND RELAX!” I always have good intentions but I never do it, why, well life just gets in the way. So here I sit with 10 days to go, not knowing what to get my kids as their big gift, bags stuffed behind clothes all over my closet, bags in the attic, gifts secretly stashed at the neighbors, unsure of how much I’ve actually gotten each kid, nothing wrapped, nothing for my husband except underwear, Christmas cards yet to be done, parties galore and my gifts for relatives back east are yet to be shipped. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
Why is it that the moms are always the ones that get stressed out at Christmas time making sure everything happens the way they are supposed to? My husband just sits back and asks what I got everyone while eating the Christmas cookies. I think next year I’m going to put this entire burden on him, my only fear is that the kids will be totally disappointed and then I would feel like shit for ruining Christmas. So once again, I guess I’ll suffer through another chaotic holiday season for the sheer pleasure of seeing the happiness on my kids faces on Christmas morning.
Ladies, we can’t win, it’s just another situation where when something needs to be done right, put the mom in charge!
Alyssa, did I see you yesterday????? oh my goodness, you hit it the high stress note right on target….I almost cancelled Christmas yesterday…why do I have to do EVERYTHING?….it used to be so much fun – no longer…Anyway, today, mailed the east coast gifts, finished two kids shopping and decided that New Years cards are just as good….Hope today brings you out of the “stress-zone” …Deidre
Even if no one reads this, I had to get it off my chest. I agree with you 100%. I just googled “Stressed out at Christmas” and found your blog. You hit the nail on the head. We would feel so guilty if our families were disappointed. It’s amazing what guilt will drive us to do!
But I’m stressed out over – being stressed! Everyone says, “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine! Relax.” No one wants a stressed, crabby mom. Guess they think we’re stressed because if feels so good?? Like we do this on purpose. Think I’ll plan WAY too much to do just because!! Yikes!
Every year I threaten to skip the tree and decorations, and maybe even presents. My kids say, “Yeah right, Mom, you say that every year.” But then, I always think that NEXT year will be different. I’ll start earlier, etc. I’ve noticed it’s not just the shopping, presents, decorating, etc. – it’s all the festivities, parties, and not to mention the REGULAR day to day stuff that keeps up busy anyway. Hey, that laundry still has to be done. That car will break down the week before Christmas!
I thought about becoming Jewish till I realized that they have 8 days of presents to come up with.
I don’t know the answer, and somehow counting my blessings, etc., just isn’t cutting it. Playing mental games with myself, telling myself it will be o.k., just breathe, just relax, – nope, sorry. I’m still stresssed. I’m trying not to be resentful, because like you said, “No one can do it like Mom.”
Thanks, I feel better now. Sigh… Only 3 more days and I can return to my regular crazy life.
hey i have been trying to find a web site to get some tips on how i can stop screaming at my kids part of the reason that i scream is because i am really stressed i am 22 yrs old i have 4 kids and 4 step kids so it 8 kids i try my best to stay cool. but i feel like i get no rest i wake up at 4:30 everyday i get the kids ready i go to work i come home i cook i do homework give baths clean up put the kids to bed i am so tired at the end of the nigh as soon as i go to bed its time to get up the on the weekends all eight kids are over ifeel like i do so much but its not apprciated i really just need to vent and i know this does ot have anything to do with the holidays but i really need help i feel like im going crazy
The holidays are a crazy time. I found a place that helped a little bit–an online personalized Christmas storybook. I got it for my 5yr old son, and he loves it. Helps calm the house a little while he gets to hear his name as he reads along with an Christmas book. It’s only $16.95, and well worth it! Check it out at http://www.mychristmasbook.com .