Holiday

Growing up, we each made at least one Christmas ornament a year. Usually more, but at least one. It was always fun decorating the tree and seeing ornaments from the past. Then when we were off on our own, we had a whole tree worth of ornaments all our own! Now that I’m the mom, I want to keep the tradition alive, but we don’t always have time for crafting. My new favorite tradition is wish list ornaments! Y’all these are adorable and SO much fun to look at my kids’ interests from year to year! But even if you don’t do Santa or wish lists, you can tweak this and let your kiddos draw a picture to turn into...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for everyone but moms. I take that back. It is a wonderful time for us moms, but it comes at a cost, like all of our time and money. Every year is a constant struggle between the creative side of my brain that wants to do all of the adorably magical Christmas things and the practical side of my brain that is saying “WTF!?!” on a 24-hour loop. This year, though, I am determined to find a balance between the two. And lucky for you, I’m here to tell you how we are going to do it. Find something that you can skip this year. I have always said that I’ll never...

While I look forward to seeing family during the holidays, it also reminds me to set boundaries. We spend time with so many different family members in different places during the holidays that I need those boundaries to stay healthy. Be an advocate for your child When family members want to do something that I know is going to send one of my kids into a tailspin, I've learned to just tell them no. We let our kids stay up later on trips and on breaks, but when they have had too many short nights, I can tell that a meltdown is about to happen. I just tell grandparents, cousins, or whoever else is there, "We love you! It's their...

Oh, Christmas time! My favorite time of the year is hands down Christmas. All the beautiful Christmas decorations, lights, seeing family & friends and so much more. But the magic of Santa is the best, especially now that I am a mother to a curious 2-year-old. She now recognizes Santa in pictures from the last two Christmases and is now starting to point him out in stores as the shelves are starting to be filled with the holly jolly man named Santa Claus. But one thing I notice now that I am a mother, I see Black Santas. And when I do, I scream with excitement. Why? Because growing up, I always thought Santa was a Black Man just like the...

As I crawl out of bed I spy my little one lost in a dream. A typical Christmas morning to follow it would seem. Reflections of Christmas lights dance across his face. To search for toys from Santa soon he will race. Visits from loved ones will bring joy throughout the day. Cookies and candies will be his favorite part I would say. Laughter and joy echo as everyone gathers around. But someone will be missing, it's me that won't be found. I wipe away a tear as I say goodbye. Yes, after years in healthcare, leaving on holidays still makes me cry. As I drive in the dark I place myself with the Lord. I must remember some children won't be home a Christmas more. Upon entering the doors you...