Kids and Holidays…Naughty Time or Nice?

If you think you’re the meanest mom ever, you’re not alone. And if you’re noticing a particularly squirrely behavior pattern, you’re also, not alone. When I read I’m the Meanest Mommy Ever, I felt better. A lot better. My kids have been INSANE! The whining, the fighting , the yelling, the hooting. And, yes, like that mommyblogger, I’ve been yelling and threatening- and just plain wiped. To the kids’ defense, we’ve had visitors, gone to parties, and spent hours running around like mad people in the attempt to do all the “fun” things on the agenda.

Now, here it is, ten days out ’til Christmas and if gifts really were contingent on Santa’s judgment, we’d all be screwed. Seriously, our usual holiday highlight, decorating the tree, was more like an afternoon in a three ring circus. Everyone was in spiteful spirits and it became comical at one point. Here we are, lighting lights, hanging decorations and one kid’s down the hall, balling because he was asked to leave the room due to obnoxious behavior. A second child’s crying in the playroom because his “stupid” brother got to put the star on top. And me, I’m almost in tears because the “magic” of Christmas had evaporated.

However, sometimes you have to hit the low point to realize that there has to be a better way. In her article, she says she stopped the insanity and went sticky sweet. I’m right there, sister. And, I’m also pretty sure it’s the holiday season that makes everyone feel so crappy that they tip into “new year’s resolution” mode. I assume it’s because during the “mst wonderful time of the year” everything’s supposed to be perfect, magical and memorable. When it falls short, it adds stress and guilt and agitation. I didn’t send cards this year but now I feel bad! I forgot to plan a family portrait and now I feel guilty. The kids are hopped up on Christmas cookies and tweaking from red dye #5…and I’m yelling “sit down” or “be quiet!”. What a dynamic, right?

Still, when the magic of Christmas morning comes, everything is right with the world…that is until the fighting over toys and whining over who got what begins. And so with that in mind, I continue on trying to make this year special.

The Meanest Mommy Ever