Mama, you are magic
There's something that happens when you see Santa as a parent. The memories of your childhood seem to wrap around you. At the same time, they become intertwined with your children's memories that are taking shape right in front of you and blossoming.
Sure, it's not all roses. You wonder if your child will cry, scream or run away when face-to-face with the jolly ole elf. You second guess why you spent money on outfits for this occasion and why you're spending so much to get this photo that you'll likely tuck into a box when the season is over. But beyond all of that, you see the magic. You see your children nervously look in absolute wonderment. This man they've seen in their books, on TV and movies is right there in front of them. All they know about this person is that he's wonderful and brings kindness and happiness. It's what I imagine I might feel if I ran into Bradly Cooper --- pure joy complete with sweaty palms and a slight metallic taste in the mouth. Slightly uncomfortable yet fully amazing.
Recently, we were walking through the mall when my 4-year-old son stopped dead in his tracks. There, in front of him, in a mall in Wauwatosa, WI was Santa! He leisurely walked from the mall office to his post in the shopping center. He stopped to visit with a baby along the way. We were yards away but this magical man sparked a twinkle in my son's eyes. As curiosity danced in him, this mama's heart swelled.
It's a little piece of holiday magic, and it doesn't end with Santa. The feeling is repeated when we make multi-state treks to see loved ones over the holidays and when we share traditions. The magic comes to life when we watch these precious, innocent children open gifts that seemed to appear under their tree one night.
It's beautiful.
But here's the thing most moms never stop to think about. You are that magic. We give credit to others or just think our children's joy comes with the season, but it doesn't just appear, it takes work. It takes a lot of work. I see the work you did. So many moms see the work you did. But sometimes we don't give ourselves credit for it, and we should. Now, I'm not asking moms to revolt against Santa or take issue with him. Although, just between us, Santa's sack of toys has nothing on a mama's diaper bag. You got toys? Cool. I have toys too, but my bag also has wipes for your tush, tissue for your nose, medicine for your fever, suckers for when you need a treat and it's held by arms that wrap for a hug, no questions. Not the point. Santa is not the enemy. Nope, we are. Far too often, we're an enemy to ourselves.
This holiday season, when you see your children catch their breath at the sight of beautiful lights or smile as they hug those you traveled to see just take a moment to truly take it in. Even if you fell short on accomplishing everything on your list. Even if money or grief or something else did not allow you to do the things you had hoped, go easy on yourself and realize, you did well. Mama, you are magic.
