Top Things on My Holiday Wish List (Mom Edition)

Every year around the holidays, I tell myself I’m going to stay on top of everything — get gifts early, stay organized, and actually enjoy the season. I start out strong with a list, a plan, and maybe even a little bit of optimism.

And then real life happens. The shopping, the budgeting, the endless “I’ll just grab one more thing” trips — it all adds up fast. Between keeping up with daily life and trying to make things special, I always end up wondering when the holidays started feeling like a second full-time job.

So this year, I decided to make my own wish list — not the picture-perfect one with cozy nights and matching pajamas. Nope. This is the real mom version.

My Real Holiday Wish List:

1️⃣ A car payment that magically pays itself

2️⃣ A payment towards my toddler's daycare

3️⃣ A grocery store gift card — and maybe one that includes a snack aisle bonus

4️⃣ My credit card statement wiped clean, or at least emotionally supported through this difficult time

Because honestly, at this point in life, the best gifts aren’t wrapped under a tree — they’re the kind that make adulthood just a little easier.

If anyone’s asking what I want this year… tell them to start with my car payment.