20 Christmas Commandments For A Single Mom

I WILL:
1. I will ask Santa for a vacation to the Bahamas…ALONE… and a nanny back home to take care of the kids and laundry.

2. I will prioritize unforgettable experiences over unmet expectations.

3. I will create at least one new holiday tradition for my family and make it memorable.

4. I will tell my inner critic that things don’t have to be perfect so I can go from Merry “STRESSmas” to Merry “CHRISTmas.”

5. I will accept that “it is what it is” and thank God that no matter what, He is in control of my well-being, my kids, my chaos. 

6. I will hold close to heart my loved ones who are with Jesus this Christmas.

7. I will watch out for the “overs” and not use my current situation as an excuse to OVERshop, OVEReat, OVERwork or be OVERwhelmed. 

8. I will remember that more is not better. 

9. I will celebrate the blessing of my circle of friends and supporters: my church, my family, and Arise Single Moms. 

10. I will wake up Christmas morning celebrating Jesus in my heart.

I WILL NOT:
1. I will not tell the kids Santa ate the chocolate out of their stockings when I know full well I did it.

2 .I will not wear myself out trying to please everyone remembering that “NO” is not a curse word.

3. I will not let myself feel like a failure because the kids are not getting everything on their wish list. 

4. I will not forget to put this note on my bathroom mirror: PAMPER THYSELF. 

5. I will not let myself feel incomplete because I’m the only single parent at the school holiday event.

6. I will not compare my Christmas decorations to those moms on Pinterest who have nothing else to do.

7. I will not allow toxic people to take up space in my head.

8. I will not forget to make Jesus a birthday cake, one complete with candles for the kids to blow out.

9. I will not fill my emptiness by dating men that are not God’s best for me.

10. I will not forget this season is about Christ—my Redeemer, my Comforter, My Provider, and the One who came to this earth to give me hope in life’s journey.

Shelley Pulliam

Howdy! (A girl from Oklahoma has to use this as her greeting) I’m Shelley Pulliam, Executive Director of Arise Single MOms and former teacher of hormone-filled 8th graders. But my real claim to fame rests in my award as second grade spelling bee champ and my recent gun-handling skills as I train to competition shoot. It helps me be on guard when Satan comes knocking. I’m a voracious reader and can frequently be found at the theater enjoying movie marathons where my record stands at six in one day. I’m a single, never married, who loves to pour into children at every opportunity. Let me know if you have any for sale.

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Faithful Mary