Behind every perfect Christmas is a mom working overtime—Santa’s just along for the ride
For many, Christmas is defined by warm memories, festive decorations, and the joy of receiving gifts. But while the holidays are meant to be joyful and merry, the whirlwind of traditions, celebrations, and family rituals it brings can be deeply labor-intensive. Behind the scenes, it is often the mothers who carry the bulk of the emotional and physical labor required to make the holiday season magical. While Santa Claus is widely celebrated as the bringer of joy and gifts, many mothers feel that the true credit for the season’s merriment goes unnoticed.
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The Gendered Labor Divide of Holiday Merrymaking
Gender roles in the house have always been starkly visible, but more so during the holidays: men are more likely to take on tasks related to the outdoor—stringing up Christmas lights or setting up inflatable reindeer—while women often spearhead the internal labor: planning the Christmas dinner, organizing holiday photos, decorating the home, managing the gift-giving process, and ensuring the family mood remains festive. This invisible work often goes unacknowledged or underappreciated, especially when it comes to the crucial task of gift-giving—often overshadowed by Santa Claus.
Santa Gets the Credit, But Mom Does the Work
Santa Claus has always been illustrated as a larger-than-life figure; the métier of his annual Christmas operation is largely hands-on and physical: he makes toys, drives a sleigh, totes a large sack of gifts, and stacks gifts under the tree via the chimney. But what he actually delivers is something far more intangible: surprise, joy, delight, fun, and the wonder of the Christmas season.
These are actually delivered by the mothers who work tirelessly to create the magic of Christmas. They buy the gifts, wrap them, assemble toys, and set up the tree—all while ensuring that everything goes smoothly. The labor involved in crafting a perfect Christmas is immense, but too often, it is Santa who takes the credit. On TikTok, some mothers have expressed their frustration with this, so they began to openly declare that they deserve recognition for their hard work by signing their own names on gifts.
The Invisible Work Behind Holiday Cheer
But moms don’t only deserve credit for the material gifts—they’re also responsible for managing the emotional atmosphere of the season, always ensuring that Christmas feels special for everyone. This includes coordinating family traditions, making sure children are excited and happy, and catering to the emotional needs of family members. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience can be overwhelming, and yet, it remains largely invisible.
Honor the Real Magic Makers: Moms Who Make the Holidays Happen
Let this season be a reminder to appreciate the real workers behind the holiday magic. While Santa may continue to be the figurehead of gift-giving, it is important to remember that behind every beautifully wrapped gift, every family photo captured, and every carefully prepared meal, there is often a mother who worked tirelessly to make the season special. Shifting the holiday spotlight, especially when it comes to gift-giving, can help ensure the unsung heroes—moms—get the credit they truly deserve. After all, Santa may be magical, but the real magic often comes from the love and care mothers put into making the holidays memorable for their families.
Photos and Featured Image: HER VIEW FROM HOME, THE MOM FORUM (via website)
