Is it Wrong To Stuff Your Own Stocking? — #Mom Problems

We want to be included, even if that means doing it ourselves.

Christmas morning has always been one of my favorite times. I wake up early and start a fresh batch of creamy homemade hot chocolate. I pull the cinnamon rolls from their refrigerated slumber and pop them in the oven.

The tree is twinkling, candles are lit and the festive playlist is playing lightly in the background. There is magic and warmth all around. I do my best to create the same feeling of home that my own mother used to share with us as children.

There are gifts under the tree courtesy of Santa’s elves and Daddy. Stockings are full…..all of them except for Moms. My stocking is perpetually empty.

I wonder if other moms across the globe find their stockings empty too?

We are supposed to be happy with what we’ve been given, which is beautiful children sitting around the tree with faces full of delight. If we aren’t content with that alone— would society view us as selfish?

As mothers, we give year round. We always go the extra mile. Our children never have to do without. That’s our job, it’s what we signed on for.

Sometimes, I feel like a ghost in my own home. The place is kept neat and tidy. The laundry is always fresh and hung in closets. Towels are always fluffy and Downy fresh. Groceries are stocked, meals always made. Everyone has exactly what they need, always. That’s my job. (in addition to my actual job which is a whole other can of worms)

My other half is always helpful, thankful, consistently supportive. My teenager doesn’t notice me until I can serve her needs.

If it weren’t for my best friend who is also a mom — I would have had nothing to open at Christmas time the past few years. She always sends a little box of holiday goodies from my home state. I send one to her from wherever i’ve been roaming. It’s our unspoken thing.

I look the most forward to the arrival of that package because she puts effort into doing something nice for me. The sweetest little things come in that box like homegrown chocolate peppermint hot tea, a stitched bit of artwork or a Kangaroo mug from down under.

Moms unite. We take care of each other.

I’m not a robot without emotion. I like to receive little surprises just as much as everyone else. I like knowing someone thought to include me in their celebration. Even as I type this, I feel selfish for wanting to be noticed.

Parenting is hard. Like, really flippin hard. If you have a 16 year old and you disagree with me, i’d like to know which meds your on. I joke. Kind of.

Anyway…..

Last year I started stuffing my own stocking. I bought myself little things and wrapped them. Face masks, my favorite chocolate, a pair of cozy socks, a Christmas candle, etc. — I just wanted to be part of the gift opening process. I know it was staged, sure but it felt good.

When I stuff my own stocking, i’m guaranteed to have a little something for me. Is that wrong? Maybe. Perhaps the crazy part is that I wrapped them? Well, I didn’t wrap the wine. I’m not totally nuts.

I always wonder how other mothers get through this particular season with their sanity in tact. If you have any silly quirks or mom secrets — i’d love to hear about them in the comments!

If you’d like to spice up your Holiday Pie Traditions, check out this pumpkin chiffon recipe. Courtesy of VV Valentine.