Being "that" mom

Last year Christmas time was all about making memories.  I saw all the cute "Elf on a Shelf" pintrest ideas and thought, "I can do better than that!"  And I think I did, at least as far as my kids were concerned.

"Christmas Barbie" helped us start our holiday season.

She came up with crafts through out the season.

Gave me a reason to bring out art supplies that normally stayed put away.

She inspired learning during our school break.

I even used her to gt the kids cleaning before we set up decorations.

So this year, where is Christmas Barbie?

She is still in her box.  Because as much fun as she was last year, that wasn't the reason I used her.

I wasn't trying to make a new family tradition, I was simply trying to get through another year.  So I became "that mom."  The one coming up with crazy fun stuff that makes other moms groan.  Thinking of ways for my kids to have fun that other kids wish they could do too.

I don't want to be "that mom." I want to be a normal, average, sometimes fun, sometimes boring mom.  I don't want to depend on a gimmick to get through the holiday season, I want to be actually happy.

This year our holiday  has been quieter, less activities, more just just hanging out.  I think the girls miss Barbie, and the excitement she brought. 

I hope next year Christmas Barbie will be back, not in an over the top way, with a few simple Christmas fun activities.  And I hope I would do those simple Christmas fun activities even without her.