As you dive into this holiday season with your game plan and a heart full of cheer, remember – it's not about the perfect prep but the joy of the ride. Unwrap the fun, savor every moment, soak in the season, and let the holidays be a celebration of love, warmth, and all the simple joys that make this time worthwhile.

As a parent, I found myself trapped in a tempest of expectations, societal standards, and the haunting whispers of perfectionism. Every skipped bedtime story, every less-than-nutritious meal—it all became ammunition for the guilt that seemed to be an ever-present companion on this parenting journey.

For years, I wore a mask—a facade of strength and invulnerability. In a world that often equates toughness with success, I thought I had to shield my vulnerabilities from the prying eyes of judgment. Little did I know, the armor I wore was not a shield but a barrier, separating me from genuine connection and stifling my own growth.