Running on Coffee and Christmas Spirit: A December Reality Check

 December, yay! The calendar says "holiday cheer," but my reality? My schedule is screaming "don't forget!" while I'm clutching iced coffee in one hand, a low-carb chocolate bar in the other, and sleep—what even is that anymore?

While my hubby is hard at work, I'm over here juggling it all: volunteering, cooking, baking, Christmas activities with the kiddos, errands, decorations, gift lists, and everything in between. The house smells like apple blossom, but behind the scenes? It's a whirlwind of kiddos running wild, wrestling matches, and a to-do list that laughs in my face every morning.

The Unfiltered Truth

The holidays aren't always picture-perfect. They're chaotic, rushed, and sometimes fueled entirely by fumes and caffeine. There are moments when all I want to do is curl up and sleep for a week—maybe two if I'm being honest.

Reality? Let me tell you how busy I was. I was so busy dealing with volunteering and everything—my schedule was so dictating—that my Christmas tree was up for a week, completely bare. I was so exhausted and told my hubby, "I like the tree just as is," and he held my hand and said, "Sweetie, the tree looks beautiful without ornaments." I replied with a smile, though I was physically so tired, but I knew I needed to decorate it, which I did days later.

Whether you embrace Christmas right after Thanksgiving or much later, like me—no judgment here, just grace. Not perfect moments, but being present to do our best.

But then I catch myself. I take a breath. And I remember something important: this isn't just about tasks. It's about purpose.

Every meal, every takeout, every ornament hung, every party attended—it all adds up to memories. It's the laughter of kids finding clues and eating Christmas cookies to their heart's content. It's the joy of giving back to our community. It's the warmth of family traditions that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper hits the recycling bin.

Finding Meaning in the Madness

Yes, December can feel like a marathon with no finish line in sight. My calendar is colored
-coded chaos, and my energy runs on fumes by 3 PM.

But when I see the sparkle in my kids' eyes as they hang their handmade ornaments, hear those familiar carols playing in the background, and feel the love radiating through all the beautiful chaos—I know deep down it's worth every sleepless night.

A Moment to Breathe

December feels rushed. Sometimes it feels like I'm not enjoying the month as much as I should. But when I can finally sit on my couch, wrapped in my cozy blanket and enjoying hot coffee, admiring my winter wonderland living room—that's when I breathe in the Christmas spirit and simply thank God for it all. For giving me the strength to keep going.

When I start grumbling that I'm not enjoying the month, He reminds me why I do what I do. Okay, Lord. One more day.

The month might feel rushed, insanely busy when it should be peaceful and cheerful. But despite everyone's crazy schedules, please do your best to pause and enjoy the small moments that make you reflect and remind you why we celebrate Christmas.

You're Not Alone

If you're feeling the same way right now, here's your reminder: You're not failing. You're showing up. And in a season that demands so much, simply showing up is the most beautiful gift of all.

So raise your coffee cup (iced or hot, I don't judge) to surviving December one day at a time. We've got this—barely, but we've got it.

How do you keep your sanity during the holiday rush? Drop your tips in the comments below—I could seriously use them!