I enlisted my husband's help tonight with Christmas gift “wrapping” —and by wrapping, I mean putting gifts into fabric gift bags because, let’s be honest, I’m not about to wrestle with wrapping paper, tape that disappears, and bows that refuse to stick.

Fabric bags with drawstring ribbons are my secret weapon. 

No fuss, no tissue paper needed to hide the gift, and they’re reusable (bonus points for sustainability!).

Now, onto the food situation. I have big plans. I’m talking two cookie recipes (which sounds reasonable until you factor in that I’m the one making them). 

Let’s not forget cinnamon rolls, two family-favorite appetizers, and a new recipe I’m irrationally excited about trying. Why? I don’t know. 

Clearly, I’ve watched too much Food Network this month and have mistaken myself for a contestant in Holiday Baking Championship.

And the tree? Well, the Christmas tree is mostly up. It has most of its lights—because we all know that stringing lights on a tree is the ultimate test of patience. 

Ornaments? Those are still in their box, giving me side-eye from across the room. 

We’ve also got ambitious plans for some white lights on the maple tree in the front yard. The key word here is plans.

Here’s where the reality check comes in: we’re celebrating Christmas with our family on Thursday, December 19th. 

Tomorrow is my last day for cooking, baking, finishing lights, and doing anything remotely festive.

I had dreams of a picture-perfect holiday spread and sparkling décor that would rival a Hallmark movie. 

But let’s be honest—my eyes are definitely bigger than my stamina.
 

So, as I stare down this holiday to-do list, I keep reminding myself: All is well. 

The cookies might not get baked. The tree might stay half-lit. And the new recipe might just have to wait until next year. 

But you know what? Having our family together is what really matters.

The holiday season can feel like a whirlwind of joy, chaos, and—let’s face it—stress! 
But don’t worry—I’ve crafted a set of lighthearted Parent Holiday IEP Goals to help you navigate the holidays with humor, grace, and maybe even a little extra self-care.
 

Click here to see which Holiday IEP Goal you are looking forward to mastering!

If you’re juggling the Parent Holiday IEP Goals and still wondering if your child’s IEP is truly working its magic this year, don’t forget to check out our What The Elf Ugly IEP Checklist. 
Click on the image below to see if your child's IEP is on:
😉Santa’s ‘Questionable’ List,
🥺 Naughty List, or in the

😩 IEP Hall of Fame!
 

As we head into the holidays, I want to leave you with this: progress over perfection. 

Whether you’re managing family gatherings, baking “just one more batch” of cookies, or trying to hold it together in a sea of twinkle lights and school breaks—remember, you’re doing great.

Your child doesn’t need a perfect holiday; they need you—the loving, resourceful parent who shows up every day. 

So, take those 5-minute breaks, laugh at the chaos, and celebrate the small wins.

Wishing you peace, laughter, and just enough energy to keep those lights glowing!