For all the parents who are completely overwhelmed by the crazy amount of Christmas-related emails they receive from their kid’s school on a daily basis. For everyone who has given up on following the class WhatsApp group, which no longer serves any useful purpose. To all the mums and dads trying to juggle a job and the daily grind while still attending every nativity, carol service and end of term exhibition. For every parent who forgot it was Christmas jumper / Mufty day, and sent their kid into school in their uniform. To anyone who doesn’t have the time, money or energy to help out with every request from the PTA. And for any parent just trying to make it through the week without screaming, being late for drop off / pick up, or constantly feeling guilty for not loving every minute.
I see you. I am you! And I wrote this poem for us…
With weeks to go
‘til Christmas Day,
poor parents cannot
rest nor play,
as each December
(them’s the rules),
the emails come
from our kids’ schools.
At first a drip
and then a flood,
requesting help,
sweat, tears and blood,
as we get spammed
with festive asks.
Our inbox jammed
with Christmas tasks.
Make costumes
for the Christmas play.
Remember
festive jumper day.
Tombola prizes
to donate.
Bring cakes in for
the Christmas fete
Raffle tickets?
I’ll take five.
WhatsApp groups
in overdrive
arranging presents
for the teacher.
Chocolates? Flowers?
One must feature.
Christmas cards
for all the class.
End of term
exams to pass.
Invites from
the PTA
for “Parent drinks”
to numb the day.
Pack gloves and hats
in case it snows.
Are clubs still running?
No one knows.
Santa’s Grotto.
Panto trips.
Remember your
permission slips.
Pressured
into volunteering.
Hopes of downtime
disappearing.
Your diary,
a total mess,
less Christmas joy,
more Christmas stress.
As each new email
makes you sob.
To stay on track’s
a full time job.
And when it’s over,
LUCKY YOU!
The kids come home
with nits and flu.
Merry Christmas!
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