The Night before Christmas for Moms

So often we as women...myself especially...forget what Christmas is all about. So I wanted to share this little poem to help us all remember the focus we need.

The Night before Christmas for Moms

It was the night before Christmas, when all thru the abode Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode. The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds, While visions of Nintendo 64 and Barbie, flipped through their heads. The dad was snoring in front of the TV, With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee. So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter, Which made her sigh, "Now what's the matter?" With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand, She descended the stairs, and saw the old man. He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug. "Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug." "Ho-ho-ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake." "Your gift was especially difficult to make." "Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone." "Exactly!" he chuckled, "I've made you a clone." "A clone?" she asked, "What good is that? Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit-chat." The mother's twin. Same hair, same eyes, Same double chin. "She'll cook, she'll dust," She'll mop every mess. You'll relax, take it easy, Watch The Young & the Restless." "Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream come true! "I'll shop. I'll read., I'll sleep a whole night through! " From the room above, the youngest began to fret. "Mommy?! I scared... and I am wet." The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart." "Hey," the mom smiled, "She knows her part." The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune, as she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon. "You the best mommy ever. " I really love you." The clone smiled and sighed, "I love you, too." The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal. " That's my child's love, she's trying to steal." Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear, " Only one loving mother, is needed here." The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed. "Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head. I sometimes forget, it won't be very long, When they'll be too old, for my cradle-song." The clock on the mantle began to chime. Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time." With the clone by his side Santa said, "Goodnight. Merry Christmas, Mom, You'll be all right."   Author Unknown

It's Christmas Time With The Family...Root Canal Anyone?

You know… Christmas is a great holiday...mostly.  While the stuff surrounding Christmas is fun to be around – decorations, food, presents and the like – I know a lot of people struggle with this time of year.  The stress alone is crazy enough.  But, for some, this season brings more than the stress of getting everything ready, cleaning the house, taking care of all the presents, etc.  For some, the "family time"  is enough to send them over the brink.

I talk with lots of folks who have to mentally prepare themselves to see their loved ones.  It sounds crazy, doesn’t it?  But… have you ever thought about the mental “frame of mind” you have to get into to participate with people you know everything about (more or less)?  For some, it is as seamless as if they never left home.  However, for others, a root canal would seem more pleasing.  The key is knowing what is going on inside you when faced with seeing your family.  Know your triggers.  Know your boundaries.  Know exactly what your expectations are and plan accordingly.  All too often, we enter the Christmas season hoping or expecting something from our family that is different than what experience has taught us.  We fail to plan and prepare in a way that leads us to a path of joy and success.  Rather, we set ourselves up to be disappointed because “others” don’t behave or say things in the ways we wish they would for our sake.

The one thing you can control when seeing your family is you.  A great exercise is to take just a few minutes and think about what your expectations are of this Christmas.  If you have a spouse or significant other, you might express those expectations and talk with each other on what each needs from each other while spending time with the family. 

Christmas was meant to be a time of joy, remembrance and significance.  Imagine… a Christmas spent with your family that you walk away from feeling that you had just created one for the memory books – in a good way!  Take the time to prepare yourself in a way that allows the good stuff to reflect your Christmas experience by using that which you already know to carve out your expectations.  If you do, that time spent with family can be best appreciated… no matter how crazy you think your family might be!  One less root canal experience is a good thing… J

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