#holiday things

[flame-forged]

Starting this a bit early to try and gather people from different timezones but -! Who's muses want Christmas presents this year?

Please specify muse/muses on your end ! Can of course be from multiple of my blorbos

Preferable we've had at least one interaction before but if not Jeanne will bake you cookies or something

[dpadstudio]

Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of a holiday classic featuring the boguins musical debut. (Don't tell buccanary... 🥴) and enjoy 60% off of Owlboy in Steams Winter Sale while you're at it.

Grab it here while you can!

Merry Bog-mas and happy Owl-idays to you and may your season be merry and bright!

Owlboy is a story-driven platform adventure game, where you can fly and explore a brand new world in the clouds! Pick up your friends, and bring them with you as you explore the open skies, in one of the most detailed adventures of this era.

[lunarsands]

Hi everyone, I love you and hope you have a safe and comfy holiday! If that happens to not be a possibility, please remember that I believe in you and I care about you!

[lauronk]

hey so thanks to my friend @ameerawrites i made a new deco tree for Xmas if anyone would like to leave me a message or a note 🤗

🎄DECO MY TREE🎄

Decorate Friend's Tree for Christmas🎅

if you make a tree of your own feel free to tag me or reply here to let me know and i’ll leave you a little gift note too!! 🎁

[apnourry]

christmas eve round these parts

[cherrylips-mintkisses]

Scotland did look good on me

[jerzwriter]

Mom Things... this is important.

All this joking about the Elf on the Shelf, and my feelings about it, has me laughing. I told a co-worker, and she said, "Oh my God! I hate that thing! It's so much work, and I'm already at the end of my rope! I know I'm the worst mother in the world, but I just don't want to do it anymore."

Here's the thing, for me, this is in the past. I'm beyond this stage, but my co-worker has 2 little ones and is in the middle of it... and she REALLY feels like she's not doing all she can as a mom because she isn't coming up with over-the-top displays for her stupid elves every night on top of everything else she does.

We just had a talk... and I'd like to have the same one with you...

I'm on the other side now, so I can laugh, but I remember feeling like I was "less than" because I wasn't joyfully partaking in this either. Mind you, I was working full-time, providing for my child, and I was a GOOD mom. I made sure reading & playing were part of our days every day; days off really revolved around parenting, we had/have a bond like you couldn't believe, but I didn't think it was enough.

Like many, I had a spouse (no longer YEY!) that was less than helpful, and providing all the "Christmas Joy" fell solely on me. He merely showed up for photos to look good. It was a TOUGH time. Yet, both my child & I look back at moments with such joy... and guess what... not ONE of those precious memories involves an elf, for my now grown kid or for me.

Why am I sharing this? Because being a parent, particularly a mother, is the HARDEST JOB IN THE WORLD if you do it right. There is so much pressure on us, and living in a world with so much uncertainty, only makes it harder. Yet, we demand perfection, especially from mothers, and if we don't live up to what the media, society, and social media tell us we should be, we feel "less than." We feel like failures. And, sadly, sometimes the worst voices that echo that sentiment to us are other mothers, other women. (Spoiler: They're probably feeling the same way themselves.)

I'm here to tell you - don't fall for it. There is no perfect, and there is no one way. Love your children, be there for them, and have some fun, but do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. It's not good for you or your children. I assure you, you'll get to where I am one day, and your child's favorite memories will not be the elaborate display you set up through tears of exhaustion at 1:00 AM. I don't care if your sister does it. I don't care if your mother-in-law thinks you should. I don't care if the entire PTA judges you - they don't pay your bills, and they're not raising your child. Do what works for you and your family - you are under no obligation to continue with any tradition that leaves you exhausted, unhappy, or broke. Read that again.

I remember feeling so alone back then, and I don't want anyone else to feel that way. You're waking up each day and giving it your all. You love your children, and I'm sure you're kicking ass! BE PROUD! You're not perfect, and your kids are not perfect - no one is - so lose that as a goal. You will make mistakes, and you will have some regrets - be sure of that. Life and parenting do not come with instruction manuals, and we learn as we go. AND THAT IS OK. Showing your children that no one is perfect, but we're all still worthy of love may be the best gift you can give them.

And this isn't just about the holidays - it's about everything and every day throughout the year.

Maybe no one has told you today - so allow me - YOU ARE DOING GREAT. Be proud of yourself, and be as kind to yourself as you would be to others. Sending big hugs to all out there. 💖💖💖

[imtheiliad]

HOLIDAY/WINTER CARD ANNOUNCEMENT/UPDATE

okay! so if you would like to receive a holiday card from me drop me a dm on whatever platform you feel comfortable contacting me on with

if you need a postcard sent under a different name than i know you by or if you would prefer it came in an envelope for privacy reasons etc.

your preferred holiday or lack there of

your address

and if you would like to send one in return!

and that’s it! if you have any questions etc pls ask away!

i am also going to offer a digital option for anyone that is not comfortable sharing a physical address so you can be included and feel safe! 💕

xox

aj