The Mental Load of “Making the Holidays Magical” by KO

Let’s be honest, mamas — holiday “magic” doesn’t just happen. It’s planned, budgeted, baked, Amazon Primed, and glued together at 11 p.m. by you.

The “magic” your kids remember? That’s you remembering the teacher’s gift, the family time carving pumpkins, the Elf on the Shelf, the matching PJs, and the one brand of cookie sprinkles they’ll actually eat.

And while the world talks about “holiday cheer,” you’re running a full-blown production behind the scenes — no intermission, no applause, and definitely no spa day.

The Invisible List No One Sees

We’ve all got it — that mental list on repeat in our heads. Dress up Days. Decorations. Parties. Food. Cards. Gifts. Cleaning. It’s the soundtrack of motherhood in October-December, and it doesn’t have an off switch.

Everyone else just sees the carved pumpkins and the twinkling lights. You see the Target receipt, the glitter in your carpet, and the fact that you forgot to defrost the ham.

The Myth of the “Magical Mom”

Instagram sells us the image of the mom who does it all — smiling with her pumpkin spice latte, surrounded by calm children and a spotless kitchen.Reality check: she probably cried in her car 20 minutes before that picture was taken.

Because here’s the truth — no one is doing it all.We’re all juggling, we’re all tired, and we’re all one broken ornament away from losing it.

Redefining the Magic

The best part? Your kids don’t care about the perfect decorations or the themed wrapping paper. They care that you’re there. Laughing. Dancing. Sneaking cookie dough when no one’s looking.

The KO Truth: The real holiday magic isn’t in what you create — it’s in how you show up. And sometimes, showing up means frozen pizza under twinkle lights.

Sincerely yours,

KO