Dear Santa:

I have tried to be good all year. I have loved and cuddled my children, read to them every night, fed, clothed and cared for them while sick, adored them every moment of every day – even when belligerent, stubborn and argumentative. I’ve made school lunches, driven them to soccer, lacrosse, hockey, play dates, fun trips, and more hockey. I have seen every game and  practice – and kept a smile on my face.

I tried not to raise my voice (although I often failed at this) and was free for all sorts of silly conversations, Lego marathons and petty disagreements between my children. I have tied a thousand skate laces, mended every cut and scrape, soothed hurt feelings and listened to stories of “other kids at school.” I never turn down hugs and kisses. I love bedtime and tuck-ins, no matter how long it takes.

So there are a few things I was thinking of for Christmas. I am writing this in the water closet while Bugs Bunny is on. (Yes, I occasionally use the TV as a behaviour modification tool – a mother can only do so much.)

So, back to that list:

A secret room where even the dog will not disturb me. I promise to only use it for five minutes a day. Some days I might not need to use it all. If it could have its own secret en suite bathroom, that would be the height of decadence.

I would love a stronger back to hold the burdens of my children and ease the load they carry.

I would love legs that could keep up with my children, on their bikes, rollerblades, hockey skates or playing in the backyard. Stronger arms to hold them close might be helpful too, preferably ones that don’t flap in the breeze when I wave to them on the bus.

On to the big stuff. A television that has no talking animals, self-cleaning windows and sinks, floors that repel dust, dirt and muddy paw prints and a magic phone that rings only for my ears and I become invisible while on it. Please add a few pairs of jeans that fit right, bras and underwear that aren’t leftovers from my maternity closet, and a device that reminds my family to wash their hands, turn off the lights, close the door, put their dishes away, pick up their clothes and use the laundry bins.

I would love my children to have caring hearts that mend quickly and easily if broken. And could mine heal quickly too, when it breaks for them?  If I’m still within my limits, how about beloved pets that can live healthy forever?

And I’d love to have something that reassures me I am doing a good job as a parent, and a button that I can press to hear “Yes, Mummy” when I ask my children to do something.
If I could declare “It’s time to go” and actually have everybody ready, that would be great.

I would also like dinner warm, not served on plastic plates while running out the door, or from a Styrofoam container.

The Bunny that Bugs me is almost over, so I must hurry. Drive safe, help yourself to milk and cookies. Warm yourself by the fire so you don’t catch cold and keep your hat on – all your body heat escapes out the top of your head. Give our love to the reindeer and Santa Mouse and Santa Paws and all the elves and Mrs. Claus when you get home. Please feel free to add some Christmas miracles of your choosing to my list, as well as peace within my lifetime.

Zach and Tyler’s Mummy
Waterdown