It’s that magical time of year when we are showered with thoughtful gifts, told to relax, rest, and enjoy the season. Meals appear as if by magic right in front of us. The children decorate the house to make it feel warm and inviting. All we have heard in the last six days since Christmas is how grateful everyone is, choruses of, “How can I help you mom,” and “You made our Christmas so beautiful, you should take a day for yourself.” Every need has been anticipated and many we didn’t even think to articulate have been met. The house is clean, the children are quietly occupied with Christmas gifts, content to stay home and peacefully play with siblings. Just the right amount of money was spent with no stress or fighting involved. It was an easy, therapeutic Advent full of prayer and quiet contemplation. How we look forward to this time of year and the sheer rejuvenation it brings! 

Oh wait, that doesn’t sound right…I think I got that wrong. You created the magic, you thoughtfully showered everyone you love with gifts, and food. You made the house warm and inviting. Chances are the children were not as grateful as you would like and now that it’s been six days since the magic came, they’re all fighting and “boooorreed,”and peppering you with questions like, “What are we doing today?” and “What’s for dinner?” and “Why don’t we have any more Cheezits?” and “Can I play another turn or watch another movie?” Chances are you were a little disappointed in the lack of thoughtfulness from your spouse, or your children, and you find yourself wishing you had someone as hard working and thoughtful as yourself working for you this Christmas season. Not to mention today is New Year’s Eve, so I hope you have a wonderful evening planned, catering to each child in his or her own season, replete with mocktails and countdowns (all at varying times of course, because Lord knows they can’t all stay up until midnight), and time for reflection and the making of resolutions…oh, I’m sorry, did you think you were done? I also heard a rumor that school doesn’t start for another week, so I hope you have some good outings in mind as the natives are certainly getting restless. 

It’s okay if all you see is the work you’ve done, the work left to do, and the sheer fatigue dangling around your neck like a kitsch Christmas necklace (you know, the cute ones that light up). It’s okay if, in the midst of your own joy and gratitude, you feel completely exhausted and a little unseen and just want to crawl into bed until Easter. You did a lot, dear mother. You did it all! Of course, I know that many of us have husbands who help, encourage, and thank, but my husband is one of the best, and even he is completely surprised by the children’s gifts every year (I like to give him that extra dose of magic on Christmas morning). He works hard to make Christmas possible, but I am the brain and brawn behind the execution, and I know I’m not alone. So, I’m here to say I see you, I know you made it beautiful, and I know you did a hundred unseen things that helped prepare your family for Jesus and made the joy and reality of his life-changing love tangible for those you give your life for every day.

And isn’t that why we do it? Our precious, perfect Lord came to us a tiny, poor, vulnerable baby so that we could be saved from death, love him, and live forever. This season is different from the rest of the year, because Jesus changes everything! You make that love palpable and real for your family every day, but especially this time of year. So, take a deep breath, try to enjoy the season while it’s here, but know that Christ sees it all and he rejoices in all you did and all you do to welcome him into your homes every day. 

Now call a girlfriend and get out of your house!