I can’t believe it's already this time of year again. 

I always think back to our first holiday season as a young family with a company and can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks. The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to notice the good around you—and there is so much good to notice this year at Latched Mama. Somewhere in building a brand, we’ve also truly built a “work family” and strive to inspire other companies to do the same. There is something very magical that happens when employees are encouraged to bring their entire selves to work. Through flexible work arrangements and allowing parents to be parents first, we have built a true community and it is one of the things I am most grateful for every year. Just this month at Latched Mama two babies have been born, one employee got married, and one got engaged. There are things to be grateful for at every turn, and I’m taking time to notice it, to really reflect on it, this year.

At the same time, the holidays aren’t always easy. This year has not been easy. Honestly, the past two have been hard for us all. Especially as moms, we can feel stretched and pulled in every direction, pouring from an empty cup as we try to make everyone else happy during the holidays.

So this is my reminder this Thanksgiving—it is your holiday too, mama. And it is okay to do what is best for you and your family. You do not have to live up to anyone else’s expectations. In fact, this might be a good moment to check your own expectations. Social media can make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Try to remember that every family is different, and you are exactly who your family needs.

So if you’re waiting for it, here is your permission to celebrate the holidays in a way that doesn’t leave you running on empty. Here is permission to make this time of year one you can truly enjoy as you make memories with the people you love. 

Will the kids still be overstimulated and off-schedule at some point? Probably. But will they also be thankful for a mom who is present? Always. Your kids don’t want a Pinterest-worthy tablescape. They just want YOU, mama. Give yourself permission to let go of the things that aren’t serving you this season. Give yourself permission to set boundaries, welcome in realistic expectations, and then allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy this season. And if it’s terrible, and you feel stressed and overwhelmed with emotion, give yourself grace and try again next year. Coming from someone who has been very pregnant or newly postpartum for five holiday seasons, the holidays haven’t always been overflowing with magical times. But I can promise if you start looking for the little joyous moments, they are there. 

As I gather with my kids today, enjoy family nap time, and work to embrace the imperfectness of the day, please know how grateful I am for this community- the one within the “walls” of Latched Mama and the one that gathers everyday across the internet. Each clothing purchase from our website moves us one step closer to our ultimate goal and our true “why”- which is to bring the proverbial village and connection back to motherhood. 

Thank you for your continued support and love- absolutely none of this would be possible without it.

XOXO,

The Latched Mama Family

(Melissa, Eric, Nathaniel, Alexander, Caroline, Benjamin, Katherine, and Matthew)