My Google feed picks up the national daily papers’ blips and blurbs about helping out for the holidays. I wonder… is my inbox inundated with single mothers who need help because there are so many of us out there, or is it just hitting hard because my search parameters include the phrase ’single mother’? I cringe when I read about this excess pouring out of support during these last few weeks of the year, because I wonder… who is helping everyone out the other 11 months of the year? Why can’t we all do a little, every day?
Like so many Americans, we’re scaling back this Christmas. The ex is still behind in his child support, my job barely makes ends meet, and things are EXPENSIVE this year. How’d that happen? I’m looking for the big sales but they aren’t materializing… but you know? Somehow, it doesn’t seem to matter.
This holiday season has been merry and bright, despite the stomach flu, the sinus infections, the testosterone-laden five year old and the jigsaw puzzle that is my wonderful life.
- We’ve had some of our most special friends over to help decorate the tree
- We went to see the Revels Christmas production
- We’re going to stroll down to the National Christmas tree for a gander and to hear a friend sing, I hope!
- We’ll go to the Botanic Gardens and see their holiday setup
- I’m teaching my son how to sing “Angels we have heard on high!” and having a blast
- We’ve made a few presents, which has given us great pride and joy, and I hope will make their recipients happy… and encourage us to make more presents next year!
- I’ve bought presents from friends whose craft I admire, and am happy to be able to support them
- I’ve actually put in for some time off before Christmas, so I can spend some hours in the kitchen with my parents and my son, making traditional holiday recipes (hello, Buche de Noel!) and enjoying the season
- We’ve made a point to catch up with friends new and old, and need to reconnect with more in the New Year
What are you doing to make this season more about the love and less about the toys?
Loved this post. Yes, there are a lot of us single Mamas out there!!
Last year I started the advent calendar tradition because DS was ready. I made sure to include holiday activities and not just toys. This year we have even more activities, ranging from watching the Grinch together to driving in the area to see holiday lights. It makes the month fly by, but we’re creating new traditions this way.
We made cookies yesterday afternoon with homemade icing. You should see the mess in my kitchen…. But, yes, I’m with you. I hear you!
I too have been teaching my daughter how to sing Christmas songs, in silly voices and regular ones. I’m making sure to instill the idea that Christmas is more about family, love and laughter than toys and getting gifts. I hope you and yours have a fabulous Christmas!!