Merry Christmas, Moms!

Merry Christmas to all the moms out there that have been Christmas shopping for a few months now and can't find the presents they hid or remember who they bought them for. Merry Christmas to the all the moms who shopped so early they bought the same gift twice for the same person and didn't realize it till now. Merry Christmas to those moms who haven't had time to do any early shopping and are about to venture out this weekend, amongst the madness, and buy ALL their family's presents. Then stay up till the wee hours wrapping and tagging all the gifts, just so their family has a happy Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all the moms who have been planning Christmas parties for their kids or for their coworkers, or both, on top of all their other responsibilities. Merry Christmas to those moms who have had to help with or be in charge of more than one school party and took time out to make their child's party successful. It can be a hassle and seem like brain damage, but your kid will remember it!

Merry Christmas to all the moms who have spent their spare hours sweating in the kitchen baking goodies for neighbors, treats for school and snacks for the fifty other people on the list. Merry Christmas to the moms who tried new cookie and candy recipes, and to those who stuck to the basics. I personally don't care if it's fancy or plain, as long as it's homemade, it's getting snarfed in our house!

Merry Christmas to all the moms who dressed up their kids for their Christmas programs, or at least tried. Making your kid wear clothes they don't like and fixing their hair all nice, despite their opposition. Merry Christmas to those moms who busted a move to get their family fed and dressed for these programs all before 6 p.m. Then hauled everyone back home in the dark and in the snow, finished homework, enforced bath time and got everyone tucked into bed. Merry Christmas to all the moms who had to do this for more than one kid, on more than one evening.

Merry Christmas to all the moms who are frantically planning and preparing for family coming to visit for the holidays. Making daily lists of to-do's, cleaning the house like a madwoman, filling the fridge and cabinets, thawing meat, all while trying not to forget to pick up kids from somewhere. Merry Christmas to these moms that are working this hard so that their visiting families are greeted with a warm smile, good food and a pleasant holiday.

Merry Christmas to the moms who are working full time and still trying to prepare for Christmas, knowing that they only get one and half days off work before they have to return. Merry Christmas to those moms who are working these full time jobs in retail. Dealing with all the grouchy shoppers and crowded lines, and working evenings and weekends so that the rest of us can prepare for our Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all the moms who won't be seeing their kids this holiday. Those moms who have to share their kids every other holiday with in-laws. Or those moms whose kids are overseas, in other countries or just live too far away. Merry Christmas to those moms who will miss these kids and try to have a nice holiday even though they're sad.

Merry Christmas to every mom out there and thank you for all you do every year to make Christmas special! Have a safe and special holiday season!