Merry Marriage Geek Christmas

The gifts are wrapped. We are heading to the Imax to see Star Wars before Christmas Eve at my dad’s in Bloomington. The fridge is full of food because I host the day tomorrow. So thankful that things are slowing down and my commitment to not being busy has worked this holiday. I acknowledge the privilege I have of not needing to work today, of having my family close and all the gifts in all forms that I receive this holiday.

As I take a moment to catch up, my thoughts are with you-my wonderful Marriage Geek fans. Many of you are dealing with the struggles and intensity of little ones who make Christmas so special but also a ton more work. Many of you have kids who meltdown when the pressure is on, who can’t just “be good” because other people are looking.

I know some of you are hurting a lot today. I know that for some, this is a really rough holiday and yet you have put on your big kid pants and showed up as a mature grown up. You got out of bed and combed your hair. If no one else says it, let me tell you- you rock. This is hard stuff and I promise you that they won’t all be like this one.

Before you scold the 4 year old for turning her nose up at the clothes Grandma gave her or yell at your 12 year old for always wanting one more gift- consider how you’re doing with receiving this holiday.  There are people around you who are doing their very best to show you their love. Maybe they suck at it. Maybe they weren’t raised to show their love. Maybe you scare the hell out of them….mostly people are trying to love you the best that they can. Say thank you a lot today.

Everyone marries someone whose family does Christmas all wrong. It is often our first dose of culture shock.  Traditions run deep and feel right and normal. Someday your children will spend the holidays with a family who does it all wrong. You are creating their memories, their future nostalgia. Make sure and take a deep breath today and savor just how beautiful their lives really are. You did that.

Thanks Marriage Geek fans for the the life you give me and my family. I cannot imagine loving my work more than I do. I love supporting all the great families I get to meet each year.