The Lies Instagram Told Us About ‘Having It All’ (Holiday Edition 🎃🦃🎄✨)

By K & O of KO Unscripted

Let’s just say it: Instagram is a liar.There. We said it.

We love the ‘gram for inspiration, connection, and the occasional laugh-cry over a good meme. But when it comes to the picture-perfect version of “having it all”—especially during the holidays? It’s serving up some next-level fairy tales wrapped in twinkle lights.

Lie #1: You Can Do It All Without Breaking a Sweat

That mom with the flawless blowout, three kids in matching holiday pajamas, and a Thanksgiving tablescape straight out of Better Homes & Gardens? She has chaos too—you just don’t see it. She’s probably shoving Halloween costume pieces into the closet and yelling at her kids to “act natural” while the Elf on the Shelf is still hidden in a Ziploc bag.

Reality: We all have the same 24 hours, and most of us are just trying to survive December with coffee in one hand and wrapping paper stuck to the other.

Lie #2: Balance Looks Like a Perfect Pie Chart

Instagram loves a split screen of a woman baking pumpkin bread, wrapping perfectly labeled Christmas gifts, and hitting a spin class—all before carpool pickup. But balance isn’t an even slice of everything—it’s a messy, constantly shifting juggling act.

Reality: Some days, work wins. Some days, family wins. Some days, Target Drive Up wins. And honestly, sometimes the best “balance” is ordering pizza and calling it festive.

Lie #3: Your House Should Look Like a Holiday Magazine Spread

Sure, that perfectly styled Christmas tree with matching ornaments and neutral tones looks dreamy—but in real life? There’s glitter in the carpet from a kid craft, candy corn still on the counter, and at least one broken ornament taped back together.

Reality: A lived-in home is a loved-in home. Your kids won’t remember the curated mantel—they’ll remember hot chocolate, popcorn, and dancing around the living room in fuzzy socks.

Lie #4: “Having It All” Means Doing It Alone

Influencers love to say they’re “self-made” while conveniently not mentioning their team of nannies, cleaning crews, or the fact that they aren’t actually the ones stringing 500 lights on the roof.

Reality: Behind every woman who “has it all” during the holidays is usually a village: grandparents who watch the kids, friends who share cookie dough shortcuts, or Amazon Prime swooping in to save the day. And leaning on your village isn’t weakness—it’s survival.

Lie #5: Happiness Comes from Checking All the Holiday Boxes

Matching family pajamas. Perfectly wrapped presents. Homemade Thanksgiving pies. The picture-perfect Santa photo. Instagram says that’s the recipe for fulfillment. But here’s the thing—they don’t show the stress, the tantrums, or the 47 attempts at that “one good picture.”

Reality: “Having it all” is different for everyone. For some, it’s saying yes to all the traditions. For others, it’s saying no to almost everything. For most of us, it’s finding peace and joy in the small stuff—like catching your kids laughing in front of the fire or sneaking a Christmas cookie after bedtime.

The KO Truth

“Having it all” isn’t about juggling every holiday event perfectly. It’s about choosing what matters most to YOU—and letting the rest go without guilt.

So the next time Instagram tries to sell you the glossy, impossible version of holiday magic, remember: behind that perfect post is probably a pile of dishes, a mom in leggings, and someone who bought pre-cut sugar cookie dough… just like you.

xo, K & O KO Unscripted 🎄✨