Dear Holiday Moms,

Dear Holiday Moms,

Whether you are a new mom, mom-to-be, seasoned mom, or fur mom, there is probably a very slim chance that you will be thanked for the countless holidays tasks you will complete over the next few weeks, so let me take a moment to tell all of you... THANK YOU!

THANK YOU for coordinating the cutest holiday family photo outfits, creating the perfect card, gathering addresses, licking all the envelopes and then trekking to the post office to spend a small fortune to share your family smiles with those you love!

THANK YOU for remembering to water the tree, move the elf, plug in the tree, turn on the lights, unplug the tree, turn off the lights, send in the class party treats, bake the casseroles for the potluck, buy the white elephant gifts, and keep the house stocked with scotch tape, hot cocoa, and wine.

THANK YOU for decorating, un-decorating, wrapping, unwrapping, shopping, returning, cleaning, re-cleaning,  meal planning, preparing, and hosting with a smile.

THANK YOU for buying the cookie supplies, taking time to bake them with little helpers, having fun decorating them, cleaning up after the sprinkle storm, and then resisting eating them for the next week.

THANK YOU for dressing the kids to play in the snow, making the hot cocoa and snacks for when they return, and then handling the mountain of wet cold clothing afterwards, just to do it again in an hour.

THANK YOU for spoiling all those around you with thoughtful gifts-- spouse, kids, extended family, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, service providers and even pets, while keeping it all in budget (or trying to).

THANK YOU for waiting way too long in line to see Santa, for braving the cold to watch the parade, and for playing paparazzi at every holiday performance.

THANK YOU for keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive while embracing the fun and magic of new traditions.

THANK YOU for donating your time and resources to the charities in you life too-- for the cash squeezed in the red tin, the toys for tots gathered, the shoeboxes filled and prayed over, the coats collected for the shelter, and the non-perishables given in the food drive.

You GIVE with your heart, for no recognition, for no reward and for no THANK YOU expected.

Your little ones (and big ones) make not say THANK YOU enough, but the smiles on their faces, and the stories they will share for years to come will serve as reminders that you are doing amazing at creating the magic of holiday memories.

THANK YOU, MOM!