I can't say how many times I heard this come out of someones mouth. "Children are what bring magic to Christmas" and "Once you have a child Christmas will be special again". I think they forgot the disclaimer: "Once you have a child, Christmas will be special again, when the child is _______ years old.(fill in appropriate age).
I knew last Christmas was going to be nothing special seeing that Kaylen was only 6 months old. The only thing she cared about was being fed and entertained constantly. She didn't even care if she sat in her own shit for hours on end. This year I was hoping for a little more. Some excitement, gift opening, spending time with family and showing off how she has grown. I was hoping everyone would get some enjoyment out of having a small child around again. Especially me.
Wrong.
Worst. Christmas. Ever. She strong armed anyone who tried to hold her. She screamed "no no" at me constantly. She stayed awake almost an entire night at the in laws, screams and cries echoed the entire laminate floored house, which meant everyone stayed awake almost an entire night. She was so cranky she almost had us convinced something was wrong with her and she needed to go to the ER. She HATED opening presents. You couldn't bribe her into opening a present. In fact I finally finished up opening her presents on December 27th. Yup. I wrapped them, I opened them.
My messy haired, sticky handed, "no no" screaming, nap denying, car ride hating, mommy stressor outer, gift non-opener, family & relative ignorer, horrible traveling, sleep deprived toddler ruined Christmas. Yes I actually said it. She ruined my Christmas. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean I don't love her. She gives me more joy than any one Christmas could.
Bottom line, next year there are no expectations. I will let you know when that magical age happens. I suspect with Kaylen it might be when she's moved out, grown up and had a kid of her own. Maybe then she will finally get it.
Merry Christmas. Looking forward to the new year. Maybe next Christmas I will get to eat a friggin sugar cookie in peace.
