Hey friends, let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind this holiday season. It’s that time of year again, and normally, we’d be heading to the mall for our annual Santa photo op. But this year? Nope, not happening.
You’ve probably heard the buzz around the #metoo movement, right? It’s truly eye-opening, and honestly, I can’t think of a woman who hasn’t faced some form of harassment or assault in her life. As I scrolled through social media and saw all those stories, it hit me hard—especially as a mom of two young daughters who are just three and two years old.
Up until now, they’ve been blissfully unaware of these harsh realities. I recently came across a fantastic blog by a fellow Montessori mom discussing how to teach children about consent. It got me thinking about our holiday traditions, and I felt a wave of shame wash over me as I recalled those past years. I used to plop my daughter on Santa’s lap for a quick photo, laughing as she squirmed to escape. I thought it was funny, thinking she was safe because I was there. But the truth is, she didn’t feel safe.
I put her in an uncomfortable situation, telling her to stay put for a photo, all in the name of holiday cheer. Let’s be real: that’s not a lesson I want her to learn. I want my daughters to understand that their bodies are theirs—always. That they can say no if they’re not comfortable and that they don’t have to do something they don’t want in exchange for gifts.
Some might say I’m overreacting, but I don’t think so. It’s on me for putting them in that situation in the first place. I should’ve asked if they wanted to sit next to Santa or just skip it altogether rather than forcing them into a situation where they felt uncomfortable. Their discomfort is a clear sign that something isn’t right, and I want them to know their feelings matter.
So, this year, we’re skipping the Santa lap altogether. We might still take a picture with him, but I want to avoid any pressure from onlookers or even Santa himself, who might suggest they sit on his lap like a “good girl” for presents. No thanks. Instead, maybe we’ll write a letter to Santa this year instead.
For those considering at-home insemination, there are great resources available! Check out Make a Mom to see how their process works, and join the Make a Mom Facebook group for community support. If you’re interested in a fertility journey, you can read more on how to approach it with this blog post. Plus, BabyMaker offers an excellent kit for home insemination that really stands out as an authority on the topic. And don’t forget to check out Rmany for more information about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, this holiday season is about prioritizing our children’s comfort and teaching them the importance of consent. Let’s celebrate differently, giving them the tools they need to feel empowered.
Leave a Reply