keepin' it real

So I was thinking today, that although I definitely want my children to have vivd, wonderful, magical memories of Christmas, I also want them to realize that sometimes this time of year can get a little stressful.......I want them to know that it's totally OK to feel overwhelmed every now and again.....I want them to know that mixed in with all the wonderful things about Christmas and the Holiday Season, there will also be some not-so-good things that will inevitably creep in and that even with the best of intentions, there will be many things left undone.

I know that sometimes when I look back on my blog entries, they paint a picture of a neat and tidy little life, and although I feel unbelievably blessed and we do have a LOT of fun around here....I don't want my children to strive for a perfect life as adults, because I know that there is no such thing....our life is full and happy and wonderful, but it is also messy and chaotic at times....we are loud and boisterous and goofy......we are who we are and I am so very thankful for that. 

So, in honor of the imperfect, here is my list of Not-SO-Wonderful-Things-About-The-Holiday-Season:

1. That song Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer....heard it today and I can not stand that song!!

2. The pressure of sending cards to everyone you ever met in your entire lifetime

3. The pressure of making packages look pretty enough for a magazine cover

4. Watching your little one have a meltdown right before her Christmas dance recital and then refusing to do any dancing at all :)

5. Thinking about having to put away all the decorations when Christmas is over....made especially difficult when your daughter's birthday is on the 29th and you would ideally like the Christmas tree and ornaments taken down before the house is full of 3 year olds :)

6. Deciding on that perfect gift for your mother-in-law (any suggestions???)

7. The lines at Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc.....

8. Watching Polar Express for the 100h time......OK, so I really do like this movie, but we have literally seen it 25 times already!!

9. Beating yourself up for not being able to manage that picture perfect holiday season complete with handmade goodies and/or gifts for all the neighbors, postal workers, hairdressers, teachers, friends, and various other vital people in our lives

10. Having 75 degree weather one day and 20 degree weather the next!!

*BUT, on a brighter note....one of my VERY  favorite things about this time of year is the song "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Barenaked Ladies and Sara McLaughlin....LOVE IT!!!