Sure, she says she "just wants everyone to be happy" and "doesn't need anything," — two statements that even I have uttered a few times this season — but let's break it down. This is the list of things mom really wants for the holidays this year.
Read MoreWhen my son was little, together we looked forward to Christmas for what seemed like months. There were lists made, letters written to Santa, programs at school to attend and little handprint crafts to make. I soaked in every moment I could of these magical days. It always felt like Christmas, and I could barely wait until the next holiday season.
Now that he and his step-sisters are older, my husband and I find ourselves having to manufacture Christmas spirit and squeeze in holiday traditions between countless basketball games, recitals and our work responsibilities. As a blended family, the strain of navigating complex schedules means that, in some ways, Dec. 25 becomes another day on the calendar for parenting exchanges we wish we didn't have to make. So how do you get the Christmas spirit, when you don’t even have time to get a peppermint latte?
Read MoreThe Grinch has had nothing on me over the last few weeks.
With Thanksgiving plans changing, shuffling our kids between their other homes and the general stress of life in the world right now, “Bah humbug” is about the nicest thing I’ve said about the holiday season. I’m ashamed to admit that I even threatened not to put up the Christmas tree this year — twice.
Then it happened. As I watched our neighbors put up their holiday lights over the weekend, I started to feel just a twinkle of joy and knew it was something I had to do right away!
Read MoreRecently, my darling husband kindly asked me what I want for Christmas. My mind went two places — sweatpants or diamonds. While it would be far more realistic and reasonable for me to list my "top gifts mom will love that don't break the bank," a girl needs to dream a little. So I decided to come up with a guide for what mom really wants this year. It's wholly impractical and luxurious, but it's also sure to have her say, "This year hasn't been the worst after all."
Read MoreThanksgiving and Christmas are supposed to be warm, joyful, magical, spirited and sparkly. They’re all about family. But can it really be that way in a new version of a family? Those first couple of years after divorce, I wondered, “Can it be Christmas if you’re not with all the people you love on December 25"?
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