I blinked and Thanksgiving was ages ago, and we are in the thick of Christmas. We’ve decorated the inside of the house, but I’ve made a few changes this year. It’s been so cold; I haven’t put up any outdoor decorations. At this point, I don’t think I will at all. I also didn’t put up our big tree and the kids seem to be okay with that decision. I pitched the idea to them early reminding them how much work it is to both put it up and take it down. It was such a relief to take that off my plate this year knowing they weren’t upset about it.

Tonight, I dubbed it forced family fun – Christmas style. We went to see Santa where the older two played along and I think the youngest is still on board. Next, we went to a restaurant that was having a Frosty pop up. Normally, I go to a Christmas pop up bar or two, but it was nice to be able to spend some time with the kids as they took in their surroundings and the cheese fries.

The next two weeks will continue with the Holiday crazy. We have an assortment of Holiday parties, two baking days, two weeks of school spirit themes, wrapping, cooking, and hosting. By the end of the next few weeks, it will all feel like a blur.

I am doing my best to add some magic while not overcommitting. Christmas is full of busy work for any mom, not to mention a solo parent who has no one to fall back on for these holiday tasks. You can’t forget in addition to Christmas there are still sports, homework, and finals that the kids will need support.

I hope everyone can find some magic these next few weeks while minimizing anything draining if they can.