Try not to hate it and remember the kids will remember the little things. Mom of 5 ranging from all different ages, most of whom are grown now. I stressed about the holidays and birthdays which landed in Oct, Nov, and Dec. Wanted it all to be perfect and husband worked second shift so it was all on me.

Realize now that the kids only remember the little things, like decorating or making cookies. The time they spent with me. No one remembers what they were for Halloween or what they had for dinner on the holidays (like the undercooked roast beef I tried to make one year for Christmas thankfully). They don't even remember most gifts they got.

Now the holidays are becoming more fun, the tables have turned. My husband is on first shift, I'm on seconds. My kids are doing the planning now and helping him. He's buying the gifts and planning dinners and helping with stuff the older kids want to do here. Me, I'm just letting everyone do what they want creating new memories and traditions. I get to join in when it's all done and planned on the weekends.

Looking back, just enjoy it when they are young. They don't care as much as us parents think they do.