A couple of weeks ago I asked the kids to write down which of our Christmas traditions mean the most to them. I was curious to know which of the things we do, do they truly enjoy. I was a little surprised but also glad that baking treats to share with neighbors and friends made both their lists.
We do this most every year. It’s nothing fancy. We keep it very simple but still, we enjoy it.
So a few days ago the kids and I baked and delivered some treats. What you see here is a social media-worthy picture and if this was all I posted you’d only have a partial picture. Here’s what’s behind the scenes:
The laundry I started that morning was still sitting in the washer that night.
Though we spent part of the day cooking we had nothing cooked for supper (thankfully we had leftovers from the night before.)
And the kitchen looked like something exploded.
But this picture…well, it could make it look as if I have it all together. I don’t. None of us do. There’s not one of us who can do it all, all the time. So when you see pictures on social media or even people in your everyday life who seem to be doing it all effortlessly just remember that for everything they are saying yes to means they are saying no to something else.
Maybe you didn’t get cookies baked for neighbors today but instead, you worked all day at your job to bring in income for your family. Awesome job!
Maybe you didn’t work outside the home today but you did catch up on the laundry and ran all the errands. Way to go!
Perhaps you decided today was the day to let the kids do Christmas crafts and go look at Christmas lights but your house looks like a disaster as a result. Way to make memories!
We can’t do it all every day and that’s ok. We’re not meant to. So as we draw near to Christmas, let’s remember that comparison is the thief of all joy. Don’t worry about what others are doing or seemingly accomplishing and instead focus on the things that matter most to your family. Do those things…even (especially) the simple things. And remember…no one is doing it all. And perhaps it’s time we stop trying to.
