The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year [1], right? Well, it depends who you're asking. In advertisements, holidays are a time spent laughing and eating with family while you enjoy each other's company and some yuletide traditions [2]. But in reality — especially for parents — the holidays are jam-packed with too-busy schedules, high expectations, and inevitable disappointment. Yes, being a parent brings you a different type of excitement during the holidays, but it also becomes the most stressful time of the year [3]. And sometimes, it's a complete f*cking disaster.

It might have something to do with the picture-perfect holiday movies [4], cosy family Instagram photos where everyone's wearing matching pajamas [5], and touching TV ads everywhere you turn. You know what they do? They lead to unhealthy comparisons. You envision your holiday playing out just like it did in that Hallmark movie you just watched, but it's usually anything but. And as a parent, it's totally normal (and OK!) to dread this time of year. Because let's face it, it's . . . a lot. Keep reading for 19 hilarious and very real reasons some parents hate the holidays.

Parking Is Nearly Impossible

As if you didn't have enough errands to run and no time to get them done, there's also hardly any parking available. It's rarely in-and-out when it comes to shopping, even if you only need an extra roll of wrapping paper. You have to park far away and lug the kids the extra distance.

It's Expensive

When everything adds up, your bank account is drained and your credit cards are maxed out! It seems you work all year just to spend all your money during the holidays. Navigating the expenses and still having enough to pay your regular bills can be a chore.

Holiday Movies Are on Repeat

All you can find on TV is repeats of old holiday movies or new Hallmark ones. They're a constant reminder of the fact that your holidays are less than perfect. Plus, the kids start demanding your day be just like ones they saw on TV.

It Starts Earlier Every Year

It's not even Halloween [6] and there are already Christmas decorations everywhere you go. Pair that with the TV advertisements for the latest and greatest toys, and you've got a parent's biggest headache. You can't go into a store or watch a TV show without hearing, "Can you buy me that?!"

Unpredictable Weather Leads to Disappointment

While some people hope for a white Christmas, that's only good if you're staying home for the holidays. Unpredictable weather often leads to cancelled holiday plans. That means disappointed children, temper tantrums, and emotional breakdowns.

Family Fights Seem Inevitable

Can't we all just get along? Someone always has to bring up the past or unresolved family issues. You try to keep the kids from hearing the drama, but they somehow hear everything!

There's Way Too Much to Do

The kids have extra holiday parties and school events to go to, and you have that office party you wish you could skip. Your household to-do list is getting longer, and there's way too many last minute errands to run. The schedule is just too busy!

Your Spouse Seems to Always Be Working Against You

If you tell the kids no, your spouse might tell them yes. The kids seem to be playing both of you like a fiddle.

Someone Always Gets Sick

Whether it's too much food, all the running around, or extra exposure to other sick people, it seems the kids always get sick at the holidays. While you don't mind changing your plans to take care of them, they get super disappointed when they can't go somewhere and you feel guilty about it.

Temper Tantrums Galore

The kids seem to be all about the temper tantrums during the holidays. Feet stomping, screaming, crying, and throwing themselves around like little maniacs is a weekly occurrence. If they're not freaking out because you won't buy them the toy on display in the grocery store, they're probably miserable because you just looked at them the wrong way.

Things Rarely Play Out the Way You Imagined They Would

You try to replicate the cute Pinterest Christmas displays, but it only results in an epic fail. You have a vision in your head of how things are going to look, but the outcome isn't even close. Unmet expectations of how you wanted things to be for the kids and your family only leads to more stress.

It All Ends With a Mess to Clean Up

It's finally over. The kids are playing with their new toys, the grandparents are drinking their coffee, and your spouse is taking a nap. You should be sitting back enjoying the view, but all you can think about is the mess. Your mentally drained, physically exhausted, and have a whole day of cleaning ahead of you. Not to mention finding a space for all the new presents the kids got.