ode to the December mom

When the calender flips 

to the month of December

Most moms take a deep breath.

December is not just wrapping gifts.

December is coming up with the ideas,

Racking your brain for that perfect thought.

Shopping for those presents,

Sometimes standing in line,

Or checking out several stores.

Wrapping those presents,

Mailing those presents, 

to make sure they arrive in time

or delivering them to where they belong.

Teacher gifts

Caregiver gifts

Did you remember your mailman?

Is the school concert on the calendar?

Do the dress shoes still fit, 

or do you need another shopping trip?

Do the dress pants need to be hemmed?

Don't forget to charge the batteries in the camera.

It's snowing, where are those boots?

Do the snow pants still fit

and where the heck is that other mitten?

Of course I can make hot chocolate

when you come in from the cold

but the marshmallows may be a little stale.

Advent calendars (it's okay that it's December 5th)

and elves on shelves

that need to move each day

and of course don't forget to fill their shoes

on St. Nicholas Day.

Now where did I put the stockings?

And do I have enough to fill them?

Thank goodness I made a copy of the Santa letter

before he brought it to the mailbox

except he has already changed his mind,

can I still change that Amazon order?

The school needs treats for the bake sale

and could I fill in an extra volunteer day this month?

And what about those children
with December birthdays?
Do your best to make it perfect
so they don't feel neglected
in the hustle and bustle
and please don't use Santa paper
on their birthday present.

Our holiday card isn't done, 

we need a funny photo!

Shall I just print them at home?

Wait, not enough printer ink.

And the internet is down,

maybe they can be New Year's cards.

Forgot to pick up the holiday stamps, 

and where is my address book?

I don't have the Smith's new address, 

that card can wait until I get one from them.

And now the Christmas Eve menu

did I remember the cocktail weenies?

Does Target carry lefse?

DO I HAVE ENOUGH WINE????

What are we wearing for the big day?

Does last years red sweater still fit?

The cat is running low on meds, 

and the dog needs a walk 

and a teeth cleaning

and a new bag of food.

Where to get the tree this year?
What kind did we have
that wasn't our favorite
and where the heck is the stand
and HOW many lights are burnt out?

After working all day, 

stay merry and happy 

as you prepare dinner for your family

before you tackle the laundry

and head out for more gift shopping.

Now one of the kids has a fever

and the husband is feeling neglected

and your flex money in your health plan

needs to be spent by the end of the month.

Don't forget the work party

and Secret Santa in the office

and your mother-in-law

would like you to shop for her.

You find yourself flipping the calendar

to January

and dreaming of quieter days and nights

and a nice long nap.

To all of you moms everywhere, doing it ALL this month.  

YOU ARE AMAZING.

(this was inspired by all of the moms in my life-YOU are a true gift to your family)