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Why the Holidays Are the Worst For Parents

Screw "Merry and Bright" — the Holidays Are the F*cking Worst Time to Be a Parent

Why the Holidays Are the Worst For Parents
Image Source: Everett Collection

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, 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. 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. And sometimes, it's a complete f*cking disaster.

It might have something to do with the picture-perfect holiday movies, cosy family Instagram photos where everyone's wearing matching pajamas, 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.

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