Your Holiday Mom

Your LGBTQ Virtual Home For The Holidays - Love Ya, Mom.

[yourholidaymom]

Let’s ROCK 2021!

Dear Holiday Child, 

Happy New Years! May the year 2021 bring you all that you wish for and need! And a LOT of what you love! 

As I have reflected on 2020 with my own children (Taylor and Richard say “Hi”!), we know this is one of the most historic times in our history – and even human history. Yes, there has been tragedy, but there have also been breakthroughs. All of our LGBTQ+ friends would have not had nearly so much support 100 years ago… and yet of course we must do even more to create a beautiful world for you.

Toward that end, we are going to change things up around here at YourHolidayMom.com. Here’s the news… 

First, we will be ending our holiday emails that come each year. We feel we want to put our energy toward something more tangible that we think you will love. (Of course, these posts will remain here for you ANYTIME you need them. Nothing is going away! There are so many love letters you can choose from. Come back any time you need a boost.)

Second, we will be taking some of the most loved of these emails and putting them into a book!!! 

Yes, a book you can hold in your hands! We’ll keep the price as low as possible so that anyone who wants one can get one. We’ll also create a free eBook in case you’d rather have that tucked away safe and secure. Our idea is simple – let’s take all this love and bottle it up in one Your Holiday Mom! I’ll be working on that in 2021 and it will be out in time for our next holiday season – if not before. Be sure to subscribe to get the notice (we never send any other emails to this list). 

(BY THE WAY, if you are a mom or ally here and would like to support the creation of this book, you can click through to BeWhoYouAre.com/holidaymom so you can be an official sponsor at any $ amount. We’ll create a dedication for everyone who makes a donation of any amount. As you know, we have NEVER asked for money from anyone here, because it has not cost us to create this – but this is to help support the creation of the book and eBook. All donations over $30 that have a US shipping address will get a free copy of the print book autographed by Shamama and shipped to the address on file once it is ready!)

Okay, with all that said… 

I have to admit, I’m sad that this will be the last time I can send you off into a new year. I’ve come to love you so dearly, and you are like my own children. I want only the very, very best for you. I know all the moms here feel the same. 

I hope by now you know how very much you are loved (and loved up!) here on Your Holiday Mom. It’s been SUCH a privilege to have you with us, and for those who have been with us all these years – a special hug from me, Shamama! 

Our love knows no bounds, we will always be behind you, and let’s ROCK 2021! 

With so much Love and a thousand lamps of light, Shamama

Let’s ROCK 2021! was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Miller

Dear Holiday Child,

First of all, Happy Holidays! How are you? Are you eating? Are you hydrating? Are you resting enough? Are you bundling up? We mothers worry about these things, often to a fault. (Remember that scene in A Christmas Story where the mom wraps Randy up so tight he can’t put his arms down…yeah. Been there, done that!)

We’re all very excited around here for the holidays. Lydon, your four-year-old Holiday Brother, has really just gotten into the whole thing with a little help from a mischievous Elf on the Shelf named Cinnamon. It’s very fun watching him discover the magic of Christmas every morning, searching the house before school to find what Cinnamon has gotten up to during the night. Seeing him get so excited about the holidays takes me back to a time when everything around this time of year was magical, every puff of breath that floated up on chilled air was delightful, every wreath and tree was cause for celebration, and every day was marked off on the calendar with a precise red ‘X’. Lydon brings that out in me though. He’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me, the most precious gift I’ve ever received. But don’t worry, my sweet Holiday Child, there’s plenty of love to go around here. In fact, there’s so much extra just hanging around every day, we’ve decided to use some of it up and adopt a puppy this holiday season. We’ve been considering it for a while now, and whether it was the spirit of the season or the spirit of a mischievous Elf, something made us decide this was the year. Lydon doesn’t know yet, so keep it a secret, alright? Just between you and me, alright?

We’ve not yet decorated our house this season, so there’s plenty of work to do! And there’s a fireplace in our new house! A real, honest to goodness fireplace where we can hang all the stockings and Santa can come down the chimney–oh, remind me, we might ought to have that cleaned before the Jolly Elf pays his visit. I hear soot is very difficult to get out of red velvet and fur. I suppose I should just warn you now, your dear Holiday Mom has gone a bit cross-stitch crazy this season. Everyone and their brother is getting a cross-stitched something or other. But, since you are my favorite Holiday Child, I’ll let you decide if you’d prefer baked goods or not. Cookies and chocolate covered peanut butter balls? Yep. It’s official. You and me were meant to be Holiday Family, kid. Stick with me and I’ll keep you in cookies until February.

I’ve managed to dust off the stockings and there’s one with your name on it to go up on the mantle. It’s cross-stitched. I told you, cross-stitch crazy. I didn’t know if you’d like the one with the snowmen or the reindeer, so I compromised and went with Snoopy. Who doesn’t love Snoopy, right? That reminds me, I need to get out all of the Christmas movies for our annual marathon. National Lampoons, Charlie Brown, the classic clay-mation cartoons, and yes, Grumpy Old Men. It’s a Christmas movie, I tell ya! A classic, at that! After the marathon, there’s the traditional opening of one present from under the tree on Christmas Eve. This year we might have to open all but Santa’s on Christmas Eve though. Jason, your Holiday Dad, has to work on Christmas Day. He’s disappointed that he won’t get to spend the morning opening gifts with you and Lydon, but even on holidays, people call for an ambulance. Actually…especially on holidays the call for an ambulance. You wouldn’t believe some of the stories he brings home. But I’ll let him tell you.

It’s been a long year this time around. For everyone it seems. Our family endured its share of set backs and sad times, and it pains me to know that you have as well. But let me tell you, your Holiday Mom sure didn’t raise a quitter. I know you’ve got the strength to keep going, no matter how much you might want to just give up the fight. Know that in those moments, I’ll be there with you, for you. That’s what Holiday Family is for, my sweet. Remember that. Know that. Live that. Even if we just get to speak during the holiday season, I am always thinking about you. I am always rooting for you, in your corner. I know you’re probably “too cool for hugs” now, but I have one for you anyway. Humor your Holiday Mother.

I’ll tell you what I tell Lydon every day: I love you, Holiday Child, to the moon and past the stars and through the milky way and beyond, I love you. You matter, you exist, you are important to me, to us. You are not alone, not even if you feel alone. See, you’re stuck with us now, Holiday Child. Stuck with our love, our support, our acceptance, our unwavering belief in you. You’re stuck with us, and we’re stuck with you, all year long. We won’t just think of you on holidays, but every day. We won’t just love you on Christmas, but all year long. You’re my Holiday Child, and you are loved.

Now, remember to stay warm or face being bundled up by Holiday Mom. And remember to eat when you can, stay hydrated, and stay strong. Remember to care for yourself, to love yourself as much as I love you. I know you’re busy, so give your Holiday Mom and big squdge before heading off, okay?

I love you Holiday Child.

Sincerely,

Miller, Your Holiday Mom

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 30, 2014.

Your Holiday Mom: Miller was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Miller

Dear Holiday Child,

First of all, Happy Holidays! How are you? Are you eating? Are you hydrating? Are you resting enough? Are you bundling up? We mothers worry about these things, often to a fault. (Remember that scene in A Christmas Story where the mom wraps Randy up so tight he can’t put his arms down…yeah. Been there, done that!)

We’re all very excited around here for the holidays. Lydon, your four-year-old Holiday Brother, has really just gotten into the whole thing with a little help from a mischievous Elf on the Shelf named Cinnamon. It’s very fun watching him discover the magic of Christmas every morning, searching the house before school to find what Cinnamon has gotten up to during the night. Seeing him get so excited about the holidays takes me back to a time when everything around this time of year was magical, every puff of breath that floated up on chilled air was delightful, every wreath and tree was cause for celebration, and every day was marked off on the calendar with a precise red ‘X’. Lydon brings that out in me though. He’s the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me, the most precious gift I’ve ever received. But don’t worry, my sweet Holiday Child, there’s plenty of love to go around here. In fact, there’s so much extra just hanging around every day, we’ve decided to use some of it up and adopt a puppy this holiday season. We’ve been considering it for a while now, and whether it was the spirit of the season or the spirit of a mischievous Elf, something made us decide this was the year. Lydon doesn’t know yet, so keep it a secret, alright? Just between you and me, alright?

We’ve not yet decorated our house this season, so there’s plenty of work to do! And there’s a fireplace in our new house! A real, honest to goodness fireplace where we can hang all the stockings and Santa can come down the chimney–oh, remind me, we might ought to have that cleaned before the Jolly Elf pays his visit. I hear soot is very difficult to get out of red velvet and fur. I suppose I should just warn you now, your dear Holiday Mom has gone a bit cross-stitch crazy this season. Everyone and their brother is getting a cross-stitched something or other. But, since you are my favorite Holiday Child, I’ll let you decide if you’d prefer baked goods or not. Cookies and chocolate covered peanut butter balls? Yep. It’s official. You and me were meant to be Holiday Family, kid. Stick with me and I’ll keep you in cookies until February.

I’ve managed to dust off the stockings and there’s one with your name on it to go up on the mantle. It’s cross-stitched. I told you, cross-stitch crazy. I didn’t know if you’d like the one with the snowmen or the reindeer, so I compromised and went with Snoopy. Who doesn’t love Snoopy, right? That reminds me, I need to get out all of the Christmas movies for our annual marathon. National Lampoons, Charlie Brown, the classic clay-mation cartoons, and yes, Grumpy Old Men. It’s a Christmas movie, I tell ya! A classic, at that! After the marathon, there’s the traditional opening of one present from under the tree on Christmas Eve. This year we might have to open all but Santa’s on Christmas Eve though. Jason, your Holiday Dad, has to work on Christmas Day. He’s disappointed that he won’t get to spend the morning opening gifts with you and Lydon, but even on holidays, people call for an ambulance. Actually…especially on holidays the call for an ambulance. You wouldn’t believe some of the stories he brings home. But I’ll let him tell you.

It’s been a long year this time around. For everyone it seems. Our family endured its share of set backs and sad times, and it pains me to know that you have as well. But let me tell you, your Holiday Mom sure didn’t raise a quitter. I know you’ve got the strength to keep going, no matter how much you might want to just give up the fight. Know that in those moments, I’ll be there with you, for you. That’s what Holiday Family is for, my sweet. Remember that. Know that. Live that. Even if we just get to speak during the holiday season, I am always thinking about you. I am always rooting for you, in your corner. I know you’re probably “too cool for hugs” now, but I have one for you anyway. Humor your Holiday Mother.

I’ll tell you what I tell Lydon every day: I love you, Holiday Child, to the moon and past the stars and through the milky way and beyond, I love you. You matter, you exist, you are important to me, to us. You are not alone, not even if you feel alone. See, you’re stuck with us now, Holiday Child. Stuck with our love, our support, our acceptance, our unwavering belief in you. You’re stuck with us, and we’re stuck with you, all year long. We won’t just think of you on holidays, but every day. We won’t just love you on Christmas, but all year long. You’re my Holiday Child, and you are loved.

Now, remember to stay warm or face being bundled up by Holiday Mom. And remember to eat when you can, stay hydrated, and stay strong. Remember to care for yourself, to love yourself as much as I love you. I know you’re busy, so give your Holiday Mom and big squdge before heading off, okay?

I love you Holiday Child.

Sincerely,

Miller, Your Holiday Mom

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 30, 2014.

Your Holiday Mom: Miller was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Chloe

Happy Holidays my holiday child!

Let me preface this letter with an apology, I am about to quote an abnormal amount of Disney movies as I am a first time mom and they’ve taken over my life. You are now my holiday child, and from this day forth you can call me your Disney Mama, and I will forever be here to light up your life with cheesy quotes, catchy songs, and overall humor.

Now to get started – as I type this there is a tiny one year old pointing at the screen in an attempt to include her baby babbling input, and I imagine if you were here you would be assisting us put ornaments on the tree/helping me stop her from licking the not so scrumptious tree. The smell of balsam is blasting throughout the house, not just from the tree but also from the twelve, yes twelve, plug-ins purchased to add that extra oomph of scent to the house! My boyfriend, daughter and I live in a small apartment, but will always have room for you, come hell or high water we will be there for you. The holidays tend to be a difficult time, especially if you feel alone, misunderstood or unwelcome, and to that I say know that you are loved, accepted, and always welcomed. Consider me like Buzz and Woody – you’ve got a friend in me.

I admire your bravery; coming out is not an easy thing to do. When I was in elementary school, my older sister came out as gay. At ten, those words don’t mean much, I looked at her like “okay, well you’re still my sister.” There were people who understood, and people who didn’t, but she always knew she had ohana (oh geez, here with go with another Disney quote). Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind, OR forgotten. In 2012, she had more life changing news for our family – she is a transgender male. For some people, it was a hard pill to swallow, but to me, as long as I had my older sibling, I was just along for the ride. If there is any one thing you can take away from this, it is that no matter what, as long as you are comfortable and happy with yourself, the people who matter most will be with you like branches on a tree. I am a proud little sister with an older brother whose journey was different than my own, but still lives a fulfilled life, and that’s all anyone could ever ask for.

I end this letter with this message: “There are those who say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it.” – Disney’s “Brave”

Happy holidays, I love you!

Your Disney Mama, AKA Chloe

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 29, 2014.

Your Holiday Mom: Chloe was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mama K

Hey, hon!

I am so thankful you are home with me here. And of course my three other kids are always looking to add to our family. Winter in Houston doesn’t tend to be very cold, so there have been some years where we ate with the air conditioning on. Jump up here on the couch and get you some tea. Sweet tea is the only kind we have, but if you want something else, we’ve got Cokes in the fridge.

For holidays, I tend to go all out, so I hope you brought your comfy pants and your appetite. Cooking for three or four days kind of all out. The “we might need another flat surface to put food” kind of cooking. Last year, Christmas dinner was lasagna with lots of garlicky bread, salad, and pecan pie made with pecans we shelled ourselves.

It doesn’t matter how or why you have joined us, but I want you to be comfortable here. Our family will ask how you want to be called, and what your pronouns are. I will probably nag you to eat too much, and take too much food home. But know that with every bite, the food I have cooked with love is nourishing your soul and filling in the broken places.

You are always welcome here.

I see you.

I recognize you.

I love you.

Mama K

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 16, 2019.

Your Holiday Mom: Mama K was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Erica

Hello Love! I am so excited to have you as part of my family. The three of us (single mom) hope you know we will keep your place in our hearts as we celebrate the holidays with you virtually. As these times are full of joy they can sometimes stress me out. I wonder if you ever feel that way? In case you do I wanted to give you your gift early.

First The gift to boldly live knowing I love you.

Second I think your hair is awesome. Do you.

Third You are fully amazing and the only you. I could not ask for anything other than who you are. You belong in my family.

Fourth You have a 17 year old brother who is proud to call you fam.

Fifth You have an 11 year old sister who came out last year. Not everyone she loves received it well. Her brother and I did. She probably gets it more than your momma, but I don’t have to completely understand. I do and will always completely love you.

THE BIG GIFT I wanted so much to write you last year but, your other moms filled the list before I knew I could finally talk to you.  So drum roll please…YOU ARE MY BIG GIFT! Reaching out to you this holiday season warms my heart. I have thought of you all year and will keep you in our prayer, meals, awkward singing, family games and since we are after all family, you will be included in the fight for the last piece of pie. All my love my sweet child. You are wanted. You are loved. You will always be welcome in our family.

Forever, Mom

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 04, 2018.

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Erica was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Erica

Hello Love! I am so excited to have you as part of my family. The three of us (single mom) hope you know we will keep your place in our hearts as we celebrate the holidays with you virtually. As these times are full of joy they can sometimes stress me out. I wonder if you ever feel that way? In case you do I wanted to give you your gift early.

First The gift to boldly live knowing I love you.

Second I think your hair is awesome. Do you.

Third You are fully amazing and the only you. I could not ask for anything other than who you are. You belong in my family.

Fourth You have a 17 year old brother who is proud to call you fam.

Fifth You have an 11 year old sister who came out last year. Not everyone she loves received it well. Her brother and I did. She probably gets it more than your momma, but I don’t have to completely understand. I do and will always completely love you.

THE BIG GIFT I wanted so much to write you last year but, your other moms filled the list before I knew I could finally talk to you.  So drum roll please…YOU ARE MY BIG GIFT! Reaching out to you this holiday season warms my heart. I have thought of you all year and will keep you in our prayer, meals, awkward singing, family games and since we are after all family, you will be included in the fight for the last piece of pie. All my love my sweet child. You are wanted. You are loved. You will always be welcome in our family.

Forever, Mom

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 04, 2018.

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Erica was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mama Ro

I am SO excited to have you with us for the holidays. We celebrate anything and everything here at the House of Creative Mayhem. You’ll be joining me, Ro, a purple-haired mama, and two of my three kids. Connor is 20, spends a lot of time playing video games, and is absolutely hilarious. He is on the autism spectrum, and sees things a little differently than everybody else, which makes him a wonderful person to know. He says if you like to game, you can play Team Fortress 2 with him, but if you don’t want to talk, he understands. My middle child, Ron, (24) is gender queer, and will be bringing their partner, Greg to dinner. They’re both gamers, too. And vegans,, which means I have to get creative with my cooking. I still make turkey, but I get creative with the side dishes and make a field roast for them, which is a vegan thing made from mushrooms and stuff. My oldest son lives in a nearby city with my granddaughter, but they are busy and probably won’t be able to make it. Could be a surprise visit, though, so prepare to hang out with a four-year-old. She and I will probably put on our matching tutus that I made for us. If you want one, I’ll make one for you, too. Or not. Your choice, of course.

I hope you love dogs, because I have a rescue pit bull named Lord Jasper Bighead, Earl of Fartsalot. I’ve had him for about 2 and a half years now, and he’s the love of my life. Nobody knows where he came from or how old he is, but this is his home for life now. I take him with me everywhere I can. Dogs are good company. They just give out love, and take as much love as you give them. And believe me, I can give a LOT of love. He also loves food. I’ll give you treats to give him and he will adore you.

So my birthday is right before the winter Solstice, and we’ll celebrate that with me taking everyone out to dinner. We’ll have to figure out someplace that has food we all love. I am wondering about your favorite foods and how to make sure you get them. Let’s sit in front of the fire and talk about it. While we talk, I’ll make art. I create weird things out of stuff other people throw away. Sometimes I call myself the Queen of the Trash Fairies. I also take in people who have no where to go, like my friend Chuck, who has been homeless for decades. He camps in my yard now, so criminals and homeless sweeps can’t disrupt his life. And of course I will be inviting all kinds of friends over for dinners throughout the winter months. It’s fun to gather in the warmth and light of home when it’s cold and rainy outside, isn’t it?

I’m really hoping you will spend some time making art with me. I have a gazillion different supplies. I’ve got paints, collage stuff, sharpies, jewelry-making supplies, clay, several guitars (I write protest songs, among other things. I’m what you’d call a social justice warrior and I will never understand why some people consider that an insult. Silly.) and of course, lots of journals and pens, because I’m also a writer. So, you know, whatever you like to do creatively, I bet we can do a lot of it while you’re here.

Can we have a serious talk about something? Being the parent of two queer kids, and being queer myself, I know full well how hard it can be. I spent a loooooot of years trying to fit in and be like everybody else. (news flash, it didn’t work!) Now that I’m older, I don’t even try to hide who I am, and I have found SO many people who love me exactly as I am. My friends celebrate my weirdness, which includes a love of puns, wearing dresses (never pants, ever), studying sword fighting, building an art studio in my yard that is made out of tires, custom painting my shoes… the people I know LOVE these things about me. And they love me even when my depression and anxiety keep me from being in contact very often. They just love **me,** exactly as I am, and exactly as I am not. I am sure that if you haven’t found your people yet, that you will. Just keep shining your bright self and the right people will come to you. Like me and my family. We’re your people! You’re our people. Isn’t that glorious?

Oh, I forgot to mention the house… I ilve in a pink house. The inside is painted just about every color you can imagine. There’s not a beige wall anywhere, so I hope you’re ready to experience a lot of color, because that is exactly what we have here!

What do you want to do while you’re here? We can play games. I have a bunch of fun ones, Cards Against Humanity, of course, Pictionary, Scattergories, the kind of games that rely on thinking outside the box. Or even thinking like you never believed there was a box to begin with! Or we can go for a walk with the dog at the lake nearby. Or we can go downtown and check out the holiday decorations. They have a lot of brass bands and carolers. We could join in the carols if you want. (I will want to, guaranteed. I love to sing. I’m not very good, but I have fun. Of course, I wouldn’t insist that you do anything you don’t want to) Oh, that has me thinking about popcorn. I don’t know why. I want popcorn with tons of butter, while we’re in front of the fire talking. You get to pick the music. I wonder what we’ll listen to first. I bet you’ll introduce me to things I’ve never heard before, too, won’t you?

Listen to me, you precious, wonderful being… I love you and I am so glad you’re here with us. You make everything more fun,more meaningful. This is the best year ever, because you’re here. Now, what do you want to do first?

Love your face, Mama Ro

PS OMG, I completely forgot about baking. There will be sooooo much baking. What’s your favorite cookie? Do you want to learn to bake bread? Make pies?

PSS This silly picture of me is my Halloween costume, Steampunk Peacock. What should I be next year?

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 08, 2019.

Your Holiday Mom: Mama Ro was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mama Ro

I am SO excited to have you with us for the holidays. We celebrate anything and everything here at the House of Creative Mayhem. You’ll be joining me, Ro, a purple-haired mama, and two of my three kids. Connor is 20, spends a lot of time playing video games, and is absolutely hilarious. He is on the autism spectrum, and sees things a little differently than everybody else, which makes him a wonderful person to know. He says if you like to game, you can play Team Fortress 2 with him, but if you don’t want to talk, he understands. My middle child, Ron, (24) is gender queer, and will be bringing their partner, Greg to dinner. They’re both gamers, too. And vegans,, which means I have to get creative with my cooking. I still make turkey, but I get creative with the side dishes and make a field roast for them, which is a vegan thing made from mushrooms and stuff. My oldest son lives in a nearby city with my granddaughter, but they are busy and probably won’t be able to make it. Could be a surprise visit, though, so prepare to hang out with a four-year-old. She and I will probably put on our matching tutus that I made for us. If you want one, I’ll make one for you, too. Or not. Your choice, of course.

I hope you love dogs, because I have a rescue pit bull named Lord Jasper Bighead, Earl of Fartsalot. I’ve had him for about 2 and a half years now, and he’s the love of my life. Nobody knows where he came from or how old he is, but this is his home for life now. I take him with me everywhere I can. Dogs are good company. They just give out love, and take as much love as you give them. And believe me, I can give a LOT of love. He also loves food. I’ll give you treats to give him and he will adore you.

So my birthday is right before the winter Solstice, and we’ll celebrate that with me taking everyone out to dinner. We’ll have to figure out someplace that has food we all love. I am wondering about your favorite foods and how to make sure you get them. Let’s sit in front of the fire and talk about it. While we talk, I’ll make art. I create weird things out of stuff other people throw away. Sometimes I call myself the Queen of the Trash Fairies. I also take in people who have no where to go, like my friend Chuck, who has been homeless for decades. He camps in my yard now, so criminals and homeless sweeps can’t disrupt his life. And of course I will be inviting all kinds of friends over for dinners throughout the winter months. It’s fun to gather in the warmth and light of home when it’s cold and rainy outside, isn’t it?

I’m really hoping you will spend some time making art with me. I have a gazillion different supplies. I’ve got paints, collage stuff, sharpies, jewelry-making supplies, clay, several guitars (I write protest songs, among other things. I’m what you’d call a social justice warrior and I will never understand why some people consider that an insult. Silly.) and of course, lots of journals and pens, because I’m also a writer. So, you know, whatever you like to do creatively, I bet we can do a lot of it while you’re here.

Can we have a serious talk about something? Being the parent of two queer kids, and being queer myself, I know full well how hard it can be. I spent a loooooot of years trying to fit in and be like everybody else. (news flash, it didn’t work!) Now that I’m older, I don’t even try to hide who I am, and I have found SO many people who love me exactly as I am. My friends celebrate my weirdness, which includes a love of puns, wearing dresses (never pants, ever), studying sword fighting, building an art studio in my yard that is made out of tires, custom painting my shoes… the people I know LOVE these things about me. And they love me even when my depression and anxiety keep me from being in contact very often. They just love **me,** exactly as I am, and exactly as I am not. I am sure that if you haven’t found your people yet, that you will. Just keep shining your bright self and the right people will come to you. Like me and my family. We’re your people! You’re our people. Isn’t that glorious?

Oh, I forgot to mention the house… I ilve in a pink house. The inside is painted just about every color you can imagine. There’s not a beige wall anywhere, so I hope you’re ready to experience a lot of color, because that is exactly what we have here!

What do you want to do while you’re here? We can play games. I have a bunch of fun ones, Cards Against Humanity, of course, Pictionary, Scattergories, the kind of games that rely on thinking outside the box. Or even thinking like you never believed there was a box to begin with! Or we can go for a walk with the dog at the lake nearby. Or we can go downtown and check out the holiday decorations. They have a lot of brass bands and carolers. We could join in the carols if you want. (I will want to, guaranteed. I love to sing. I’m not very good, but I have fun. Of course, I wouldn’t insist that you do anything you don’t want to) Oh, that has me thinking about popcorn. I don’t know why. I want popcorn with tons of butter, while we’re in front of the fire talking. You get to pick the music. I wonder what we’ll listen to first. I bet you’ll introduce me to things I’ve never heard before, too, won’t you?

Listen to me, you precious, wonderful being… I love you and I am so glad you’re here with us. You make everything more fun,more meaningful. This is the best year ever, because you’re here. Now, what do you want to do first?

Love your face, Mama Ro

PS OMG, I completely forgot about baking. There will be sooooo much baking. What’s your favorite cookie? Do you want to learn to bake bread? Make pies?

PSS This silly picture of me is my Halloween costume, Steampunk Peacock. What should I be next year?

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 08, 2019.

Your Holiday Mom: Mama Ro was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Jenn

Dear Holiday Child,

We are so glad to welcome you home this year! Even though it can only be virtually, my family is here, imagine we’re taking your coat, you are stomping the snow off your shoes in the hallway and coming in out of the cold. There is merriment in the air since we’ve been looking forward to your visit for a long time. There is our little grey cat Minnie, perched on the bannister of the old stairs. She likes to greet everyone who comes over nose to nose. Smokey, our elder cat, will probably warm your lap later on once things quiet down.

Today, it is tradition that we put up our Christmas tree and so I’ll leave you with dear Isabel, our 6 year old, while the boxes are brought up from the basement. I hope you’ll make yourself at home, I don’t want you to work, just relax, enjoy playing with Isabel, that’s a huge help for me, and you’ll have fun. She’ll be so glad to adopt you for today as an older sibling! Enjoy the hot mulled cider I’ve got warming in the kitchen as well as the happy chaos of excitement. Christmas is her favorite time of year. The “Elf on the Shelf” will have to make an appearance tomorrow morning, so I’ll need you to help me keep him hidden until then! Maybe you’d like to read his book to her. She would like that.

Once we get the tree set up and tied to the window sill so the cat can’t knock it down, I have a gift for you. Please sit in the soft brown chair in front of fire place. Imagine the box — it’s brightly wrapped and topped with a sparkling bow. See, there is your name on the gold tag. You must open it now. We can’t wait. Inside, under the tissue paper, you find the delicate ornament for the tree, it’s yours, each year we get you a new one. It marks the history of the time you’ve spent in our family. I hope you like it. I spend a lot of time hunting for the perfect one, that matches who you are and what you really love.

We hang the strings of lights first, and the cat, I’m sure, is already up in the upper layers of the tree,. We are laughing at her antics. I say as I do every year, “We should keep the tree up year round for cat enrichment.” Everyone pretends to agree, even if I seem like the crazy cat lady. Now we put up each group of ornaments…the tin sleighs with St. Nick at the reins, the snowmen and red boughs, the wrapped gifts and glass globes of every color. I would love if you put up my special ones, near the top…the crystal seahorses and penguins, the stag with his frosted glass antlers and red holly at his neck. We have a mixture of different styles on our tree. When I was younger, I liked to have it all be one or two colors, matching, but over time, and especially since becoming a mom, I began to love the tapestry of memories each ornament represents.

Once fully decorated, the tree tells the story of our family, and you can figure out a little of who we are, at the heart, from the ornaments, chosen with care. One of my very favorites, forgive me if I’ve told this story before, is from Mystic Seaport and has etched tall ships on it. I got this one the year I was homesick, living far from the sea and the home town I loved. It has special meaning because Mystic is the town where met my husband, where we first fell in love. I am so glad to see your ornament in the middle, sparkling away, as part of our family tree and lasting memory.

Once we’re done, we admire our work and enjoy a dinner of hot 3-alarm chili with melted cheese and fresh bread. There’s four of us at the table and later, once we’ve cleaned up, come on with me into the living room again, in the quiet. It’s so beautiful now, with the lights giving off their soft glow. Enjoy the hot cookies fresh from the oven. I added some peppermint to lift the spirit and remind us of joyful, happy times.

Dearest holiday child, I may not know you or the details of your struggle, but please know that I love you. I have plenty in my heart to go around and it’s not limited by space, time or proximity. I’d want to know you’ll come back every year. I will continue to do what I can to create a better world that welcomes every child, and in which all are safe and loved, where a parent’s love knows no conditions. Maybe you’ll take your ornament with you in your heart, holding it as proof that there is a mom out here, thinking of you, wishing you every possible happiness and wanting to know how things are going. I will keep a space for you in my heart and home. Be warm, be well, and may your future days be merry and bright.

All my love this holiday season and ever after,

Mom Jenn

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Nov 29, 2015.

Your Holiday Mom: Jenn was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Jenn

Dear Holiday Child,

We are so glad to welcome you home this year! Even though it can only be virtually, my family is here, imagine we’re taking your coat, you are stomping the snow off your shoes in the hallway and coming in out of the cold. There is merriment in the air since we’ve been looking forward to your visit for a long time. There is our little grey cat Minnie, perched on the bannister of the old stairs. She likes to greet everyone who comes over nose to nose. Smokey, our elder cat, will probably warm your lap later on once things quiet down.

Today, it is tradition that we put up our Christmas tree and so I’ll leave you with dear Isabel, our 6 year old, while the boxes are brought up from the basement. I hope you’ll make yourself at home, I don’t want you to work, just relax, enjoy playing with Isabel, that’s a huge help for me, and you’ll have fun. She’ll be so glad to adopt you for today as an older sibling! Enjoy the hot mulled cider I’ve got warming in the kitchen as well as the happy chaos of excitement. Christmas is her favorite time of year. The “Elf on the Shelf” will have to make an appearance tomorrow morning, so I’ll need you to help me keep him hidden until then! Maybe you’d like to read his book to her. She would like that.

Once we get the tree set up and tied to the window sill so the cat can’t knock it down, I have a gift for you. Please sit in the soft brown chair in front of fire place. Imagine the box — it’s brightly wrapped and topped with a sparkling bow. See, there is your name on the gold tag. You must open it now. We can’t wait. Inside, under the tissue paper, you find the delicate ornament for the tree, it’s yours, each year we get you a new one. It marks the history of the time you’ve spent in our family. I hope you like it. I spend a lot of time hunting for the perfect one, that matches who you are and what you really love.

We hang the strings of lights first, and the cat, I’m sure, is already up in the upper layers of the tree,. We are laughing at her antics. I say as I do every year, “We should keep the tree up year round for cat enrichment.” Everyone pretends to agree, even if I seem like the crazy cat lady. Now we put up each group of ornaments…the tin sleighs with St. Nick at the reins, the snowmen and red boughs, the wrapped gifts and glass globes of every color. I would love if you put up my special ones, near the top…the crystal seahorses and penguins, the stag with his frosted glass antlers and red holly at his neck. We have a mixture of different styles on our tree. When I was younger, I liked to have it all be one or two colors, matching, but over time, and especially since becoming a mom, I began to love the tapestry of memories each ornament represents.

Once fully decorated, the tree tells the story of our family, and you can figure out a little of who we are, at the heart, from the ornaments, chosen with care. One of my very favorites, forgive me if I’ve told this story before, is from Mystic Seaport and has etched tall ships on it. I got this one the year I was homesick, living far from the sea and the home town I loved. It has special meaning because Mystic is the town where met my husband, where we first fell in love. I am so glad to see your ornament in the middle, sparkling away, as part of our family tree and lasting memory.

Once we’re done, we admire our work and enjoy a dinner of hot 3-alarm chili with melted cheese and fresh bread. There’s four of us at the table and later, once we’ve cleaned up, come on with me into the living room again, in the quiet. It’s so beautiful now, with the lights giving off their soft glow. Enjoy the hot cookies fresh from the oven. I added some peppermint to lift the spirit and remind us of joyful, happy times.

Dearest holiday child, I may not know you or the details of your struggle, but please know that I love you. I have plenty in my heart to go around and it’s not limited by space, time or proximity. I’d want to know you’ll come back every year. I will continue to do what I can to create a better world that welcomes every child, and in which all are safe and loved, where a parent’s love knows no conditions. Maybe you’ll take your ornament with you in your heart, holding it as proof that there is a mom out here, thinking of you, wishing you every possible happiness and wanting to know how things are going. I will keep a space for you in my heart and home. Be warm, be well, and may your future days be merry and bright.

All my love this holiday season and ever after,

Mom Jenn

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Nov 29, 2015.

Your Holiday Mom: Jenn was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Erin

To hear Erin read her letter, click here!

Welcome home, sweet kiddo! Happy, happy holidays. I don’t have the words to tell you how delighted I am to have you with me this year. I look at you and my heart feels swollen with joy: every beat against my ribs reminds me of how lucky I am that you are my holiday child. Our family feels so complete when you are here with us.

You have been on my heart and mind so much lately. I know the holidays can be overwhelming and difficult for a lot of reasons, so I want to do everything I can for you to make this a time of light and love. If you need hugs, I’m here to wrap you up in my arms as tight as you can stand. If you want to snuggle, there is always a spot next to me on the couch; my shoulder is always waiting for your head. If you’d rather sit in the chair in our reading nook and smile at me from across the room, seated apart but together in all the ways that matter, I am here. If you want to talk, I am here. If you want me to talk, I can do that too. This season my job is to fill up your heart with whatever you need.

This is a cozy time of year in our family. Your little brother, Milo, is finally getting to the age where he is beginning to understand the holidays. Can’t you just picture his little face covered with mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie? Can you imagine the way his eyes light up when he looks at all the decorations and lights? Can you see him tearing into all the gifts and playing with the boxes and paper? Your dad and I love to take nighttime drives during this time of year. Imagine hunkering down in the car with a cup of tea or cocoa and driving through the snowy darkness, looking at the fairy lights, the glowing fireplaces, the sparkling candles and glittering trees. We can do that every night this season, if you want.

I have so many dreams for you this year. On the most basic level, I want health, safety, and comfort for you. But beyond that I want everyone in the world to see you the way I do: I want them to know you for the sweet, warm, loving person that you are. I want the world to know all your wonderful traits and abilities, to know about all your strong and special self. I want you to be surrounded by more love than you know what to do with, this season and all year long.

As I wrap up this letter, remember this: I am your Holiday Mom, but my love for you is not limited to these quiet, dark months. I love you every minute of every day. You are such a gift to me: your presence, your essence, your history, your future, everything that makes you YOU. My world is brighter and fuller because I know a person like you is out there, making the universe  glorious.

Every day this holiday season, I promise to think about you, with all your beauty and bravery, and to send you love and light. I am proud of you. I delight in you. You are a blessing and you are beloved.

Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas! Joyous Kwanzaa! Hanukkah Sameach! Peace on earth and in your wonderful, lovely heart.

Love always, every day, every moment,

Erin, Your Holiday Mom

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 25, 2016.

Your Holiday Mom: Erin was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mags

To my dear adopted holiday child,

It is that magical time of year again and I feel so blessed to have the privilege to welcome you into our home for the Christmas, or Nollaig as we call it here. Its a busy time of year but I always have time to sit and talk to you, don’t worry.

It’s amazing how this time of year, which is ordinarily full of lights, colour, and parties, can be a time that is so incredibly difficult. Hard to believe that in a room full of people you can feel so alone and unaccepted that you might as well be the only person in the room… Well not this year – come curl up here on the couch beside me as we chat!

I’d like to take this time to introduce you to your adopted holiday brother, Sam. He is named after one of my closest friends who recently got engaged after we had the referendum in May regarding Marriage. Proudest day of my life to be an Irish person that was!! Sam was there beside me when I cast my vote, and was involved in the whole process and knew all about it. An amazing day but very poignant too, that people should have to ask permission for something everyone else freely enjoys. Thank god for change!

With us you will find Oiche Nollaig (Christmas Eve) is our main celebration. Where possible no one works, and the morning begins, if we have all been good, with a little gift from Santa to pave the way for the day! You need not worry about missing anything because Sam will have you out of the bed in a flash, if there is excitement to be had!!

You will then be subjected to a full Irish breakfast and a day in town. I hope you don’t mind Christmas songs in Irish too, they will be everywhere!! We will have a bite to eat and then home to the leaba (bed) or couch for you and Sam while I start the dinner prep. We will spend the afternoon and evening singing, dancing and then we will get ready for Mass, if you would like to accompany us. It is truly beautiful, religion aside, it is the definition of community spirit on this beautiful eve.

After Mass I will take you two beautiful souls home and we will have some freshly baked bread with some of the ham that was baking in the oven while we were gone. We will then open one gift each from under the tree, and then its time for Sam to go to bed and the rest of us to settle down with a beverage to have deep soul chats about life, the universe, and everything, with a roaring fire and Christmas carols playing softly I the background.

You are welcome then to join my our yearly ritual of lighting a candle for all the souls that have died or are lost and need a light to find their way home. It’s been a tradition that started seven years ago the week after Nollaig, and we continue on in memory of the beautiful souls gone before us.

It will then be time to retire until excited shrieks from Sam pull us out of the slumber in which visions of sugarplums are dancing though our heads!!

Last year I forgot to get some presents from Santa for myself. I have an answer to the question my four- year old posed and I want to share it with you, perhaps written a little more eloquently than it was phrased for the four – year old, because my beautiful adopted holiday child it applies oh SO strongly to you too!

‘Mammy, why did Santa not bring you a present??”

“Santa did bring me a present Angels except what he brought me was everlasting gifts.

He gave me Pride. Pride in everything you do and say, especially when you stand up for something and are you true self.

He gave me Beauty, which comes with you no matter what you think! I see Beauty in your every fibre of being.

He gave me courage through ye. Courage to see the world not just from a single point of view, courage to stand up for what I believe in, and courage to accept others for who they are, no matter what other people say.

He gave me Honesty –  the ability to be truthful about situations that other people might gloss over. Honesty is not always beautiful, but it is from the heart and what is more beautiful than being your true self!

He gave me respect.. So. Much. Respect!! Everyday I look at you growing and marvel at how a bunch of cells managed to grow into this beautiful human that schools us all on a daily basis.

He gave me astonishment between my reality and my dreams. You see before I had the pleasure of having souls as beautiful as yours’ in my life I did not live, I existed. Now I see the wonder in ye’r eyes about simple things before reality makes your eyes sometimes glaze over from the harsh memories… Don’t forget the wonder, look as if you are looking through a child’s eyes. You deserve that wonder and magic and astonishment at the simplest thing and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise!!

The best present I got is Love – an all encompassing love. It is so pure and sweet and your Angelic souls are what carried it to me. You see, I love you no matter the colour of your skin, or the creed you believe in, or the choices you make in your life, or who you love. I love YOU because YOU are YOU and you will be forever loved my dear adopted holiday child just for that reason.

We are always here, with arms open and a heart full of love, whether it is to laugh, cry, scream or sing. I love you for the incredibly, fantastic, beautifully original soul you are, and don’t you EVER forget that,

All my love, your adopted holiday family,

Mags and Sam xxx

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 24, 2015.

Your Holiday Mom: Mags was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mags

To my dear adopted holiday child,

It is that magical time of year again and I feel so blessed to have the privilege to welcome you into our home for the Christmas, or Nollaig as we call it here. Its a busy time of year but I always have time to sit and talk to you, don’t worry.

It’s amazing how this time of year, which is ordinarily full of lights, colour, and parties, can be a time that is so incredibly difficult. Hard to believe that in a room full of people you can feel so alone and unaccepted that you might as well be the only person in the room… Well not this year – come curl up here on the couch beside me as we chat!

I’d like to take this time to introduce you to your adopted holiday brother, Sam. He is named after one of my closest friends who recently got engaged after we had the referendum in May regarding Marriage. Proudest day of my life to be an Irish person that was!! Sam was there beside me when I cast my vote, and was involved in the whole process and knew all about it. An amazing day but very poignant too, that people should have to ask permission for something everyone else freely enjoys. Thank god for change!

With us you will find Oiche Nollaig (Christmas Eve) is our main celebration. Where possible no one works, and the morning begins, if we have all been good, with a little gift from Santa to pave the way for the day! You need not worry about missing anything because Sam will have you out of the bed in a flash, if there is excitement to be had!!

You will then be subjected to a full Irish breakfast and a day in town. I hope you don’t mind Christmas songs in Irish too, they will be everywhere!! We will have a bite to eat and then home to the leaba (bed) or couch for you and Sam while I start the dinner prep. We will spend the afternoon and evening singing, dancing and then we will get ready for Mass, if you would like to accompany us. It is truly beautiful, religion aside, it is the definition of community spirit on this beautiful eve.

After Mass I will take you two beautiful souls home and we will have some freshly baked bread with some of the ham that was baking in the oven while we were gone. We will then open one gift each from under the tree, and then its time for Sam to go to bed and the rest of us to settle down with a beverage to have deep soul chats about life, the universe, and everything, with a roaring fire and Christmas carols playing softly I the background.

You are welcome then to join my our yearly ritual of lighting a candle for all the souls that have died or are lost and need a light to find their way home. It’s been a tradition that started seven years ago the week after Nollaig, and we continue on in memory of the beautiful souls gone before us.

It will then be time to retire until excited shrieks from Sam pull us out of the slumber in which visions of sugarplums are dancing though our heads!!

Last year I forgot to get some presents from Santa for myself. I have an answer to the question my four- year old posed and I want to share it with you, perhaps written a little more eloquently than it was phrased for the four – year old, because my beautiful adopted holiday child it applies oh SO strongly to you too!

‘Mammy, why did Santa not bring you a present??”

“Santa did bring me a present Angels except what he brought me was everlasting gifts.

He gave me Pride. Pride in everything you do and say, especially when you stand up for something and are you true self.

He gave me Beauty, which comes with you no matter what you think! I see Beauty in your every fibre of being.

He gave me courage through ye. Courage to see the world not just from a single point of view, courage to stand up for what I believe in, and courage to accept others for who they are, no matter what other people say.

He gave me Honesty –  the ability to be truthful about situations that other people might gloss over. Honesty is not always beautiful, but it is from the heart and what is more beautiful than being your true self!

He gave me respect.. So. Much. Respect!! Everyday I look at you growing and marvel at how a bunch of cells managed to grow into this beautiful human that schools us all on a daily basis.

He gave me astonishment between my reality and my dreams. You see before I had the pleasure of having souls as beautiful as yours’ in my life I did not live, I existed. Now I see the wonder in ye’r eyes about simple things before reality makes your eyes sometimes glaze over from the harsh memories… Don’t forget the wonder, look as if you are looking through a child’s eyes. You deserve that wonder and magic and astonishment at the simplest thing and don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise!!

The best present I got is Love – an all encompassing love. It is so pure and sweet and your Angelic souls are what carried it to me. You see, I love you no matter the colour of your skin, or the creed you believe in, or the choices you make in your life, or who you love. I love YOU because YOU are YOU and you will be forever loved my dear adopted holiday child just for that reason.

We are always here, with arms open and a heart full of love, whether it is to laugh, cry, scream or sing. I love you for the incredibly, fantastic, beautifully original soul you are, and don’t you EVER forget that,

All my love, your adopted holiday family,

Mags and Sam xxx

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 24, 2015.

Your Holiday Mom: Mags was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mama McA

Dear beloved child—

The Christmas season is approaching, and I can’t wait to spend the holiday time with you! The gifts and celebration are fun, but the best part is just hanging out with you, hearing what you are doing, what you are thinking about. Seeing the amazing person you are continuing to grow into being—that is the gift I want the most.

I’m hoping that this year, you will help me bake the dozens and dozens of cookies that we love every year. I love sharing that with you, because it was such an important part of my holidays growing up. Aunt Jan and I used to spend hours, into the middle of the night, kneading dough, grinding nuts, making frosting, burning our fingers on the thumbprint cookies to make the little dents where the jam goes. I know you will love the apricot crescents that Dad rolls out on the counter, and we put together so they look like little babies in blankets. And the melting moment cookies that Auntie Nette renamed “butt cookies” before you were born—so yummy! And of course, Colin’s favorite lemon cheese dainties—maybe we will make him an extra batch to take back to the barracks when his leave is over! Which ones will be your favorites this year?

The best part will be going to “unchurch” at the Unitarian Universalist congregation. Even though we aren’t Jesus-y any more, that doesn’t mean we won’t love going there together and singing all the Christmas songs together. Luckily the UUs like all traditions, so we get the old-fashioned songs there. And then we will come home, and bust out the cookies (and probably the whiskey, unless Dad makes us try egg nog, AGAIN), and watch A Christmas Story. We will get a bit tipsy and head off for a wonderful night’s sleep.

Then, in the morning, coffee and something special to eat—maybe cinnamon rolls, or a yummy egg casserole. All of you kids will open your stockings, since I have been keeping them here for you. I will wrap all the chapsticks and new pens and silly stuff individually, so you have lots to open. We will take turns opening gifts one-by-one, to make the day last so long. We will laugh and smile and cheer everything, and the dogs will get another lesson in how to unwrap presents. Mostly, we will just be together, and love one another.

Later we will make dinner together and relax. Maybe some of our friends will join us, and we will have a white elephant gift exchange, or just play a game. None of this will be complete unless you are with us. We will be so happy to have you join us for our holiday traditions. The holidays are a time of love—sharing love and feeling love. We love you and we want to spend our family time with you.

Much, much love, and longing to see you,

Mama McA

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 13, 2016.

Your Holiday Mom: Mama McA was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Mom Anita

Listen To The Audio Recording Of This Message

Hi!  I am the proud mother of a wonderful GLBTQ son.  He has known who he is since he was 2 years old, we just didn’t understand what that was until he was in a GLBTQ support group in 10th grade, and figured out he’s transgender.  He has had my full love, acceptance and support this entire time, and later on, his stepfather’s.  I also have a long list of “bonus children,” other GLBTQ friends of my son’s who appreciate that I understand and love them for ALL OF who they are.

I jumped at the chance to do this project because I want you to know that I understand how difficult life can be with parents who have religious objections, who think you’re too young to know, who think you’re just a victim of bad influence by others, or any other reason to justify not accepting who you truly are.  I’m personally and sincerely sorry that you do not have the kind of support that my husband and I have always shown my son.  YOU DESERVE EVERY BIT OF IT!  You have MY full support and acceptance because I know that who you are is valuable and worthy.  You are important, who you are is important, your just being here makes a difference, and I would be honored if you would accept *my* support. 

I would love to be your Holiday Mom.  I would love for you to think of me during the holidays and beyond as someone who is committed to, and working for, a world where who you are is honored and celebrated every bit as much as non-LGBTQ-ers.  Where you can express your true self in public, either when alone or with someone you love, without having to worry about ugly looks or even the threat of physical violence.  Where through your courageous example, the rest of the world learns that we are all on a continuum of sexual identity, and one of gender identity, and that pigeonholing and judging people not only doesn’t serve anyone, but hurts everyone.

I accept you.  I honor you.  I respect you.  I support you in the battles you fight every day.

Your Holiday Mom Anita

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 12, 2012.

Your Holiday Mom: Mom Anita was originally published on Your Holiday Mom

[yourholidaymom]

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Lisa

Listen to the audio recording of this message.

Dear Adopted Holiday Child,

I welcome you to our Winter Solstice Celebration. Our home is often filled with chosen family guests, whether it is the holidays or not. I welcome you to feel the love that we share, the laughter and the open heart. I am a birth momma of five children and a heart momma of more than I can count.

Our home has an open door to all who need a hug, a meal, to share a conversation or a place to stay. Over the years we have shared incredible laughter, cleansing tears, and much needed embraces. No one is turned away. And so you can count on the love that is generated within my home is energetically being sent your way. You are loved, welcomed, celebrated and cherished.

Every one has memories of the holiday season. Some are beautiful and some fall short. But I want you to know that this holiday, this heart to heart connection that we share can be a special gift to you. I know as a momma that every child is beautiful and brings their special unique blessings to our world. I want to celebrate this in you! I sit here and wonder what makes you smile, what songs get you dancing, what your best friend’s name is, what your favorite food is, what movie makes you tear up and more.

I feel you in my heart, you know. I am holding you tenderly there. Picture us sitting with the rest of the family; the house is a buzz with conversation and laughter. You can smell the food cooking, the fire is crackling and the tree glows in the corner. Maybe you and I decide to bundle up and go outside for a walk with the stars shining above us and the snow beneath our feet. Maybe we share a soft and casual conversation, or maybe we just breathe in the silence and look up into that starry sky. Don’t be surprised if I sprawl out in the snow to make a snow angel and invite you to do the same!

Know that I will be thinking of you this holiday season, dear one, sending you my love and all the positive energies I can gather for a beautiful New Year. You are a special gift to me and I hope you feel my delightful celebration of the wonder of you! Know that there are people here in this world that love you, value you and delight that you are such an amazing soul! May your holidays be a little brighter knowing that you are a part of this chosen family and that your heart momma is thinking of you while she decorates the Solstice tree and cooks her holiday meals, wishing you were here in person, but trusting that you are feeling the love. When the New Year rings in this year, close your eyes and feel my hug and listen closely …you will hear me celebrating you with a “Happy New Year, dear one!”

Blessings ~ Momma Lisa

** This year we are reprising your favorite letters. The original post date of this letter was Dec 12, 2011.

Your Holiday Mom: Momma Lisa was originally published on Your Holiday Mom