Welcome back to another episode of the Burn Pancakes podcast! I’m your host, Katie Fenske, and I’m here to chat with you like a friend. I started this podcast to connect with fellow moms, and today’s episode is a special one. As we welcome the fall season, I want to share a personal story that taught me a valuable lesson about the holidays and motherhood.
The Guilt of Homemade Halloween Costumes
As a mom, I’m sure many of you can relate to the pressure we put on ourselves during the holiday season. For me, this pressure stemmed from the image of my own mom, a remarkable seamstress who crafted beautiful homemade Halloween costumes for my sister and me in the ’80s. I felt guilty that I wasn’t following in her footsteps when it came to Halloween costumes for my own kids.
My son Ronin’s first two Halloweens passed with store-bought costumes, primarily due to the challenges of being a working mom. But the guilt was building within me. I yearned to create something special for him, just as my mom did for me.
The Bumblebee Transformer Costume Challenge
When Ronin was three, he was obsessed with Transformers, specifically Bumblebee. He wanted a costume that could transform just like his favorite character. My husband and I embraced the challenge, scouring the internet until we found a pattern on Etsy for a kid’s Bumblebee Transformer costume. This pattern required us to gather materials and assemble it ourselves.
The process was time-consuming. My husband dedicated around six hours to this project, carefully cutting foam board, applying hot glue, painting, and assembling the costume. It was a labor of love, and we were excited to see Ronin in it.
Halloween Disappointment
Halloween arrived, and we eagerly dressed Ronin in his Bumblebee costume. But the story took an unexpected turn. Within minutes, Ronin decided he didn’t want to wear it. The costume, despite its incredible craftsmanship, was abandoned in favor of a simpler outfit. My husband ended up carrying around the elaborate costume as Ronin collected candy house to house.
Learning to Prioritize Joy
The following year, I decided to change my approach to Halloween costumes. I realized that the holidays should bring joy, not stress or guilt. So, I let Ronin choose his costume from Amazon, and it arrived the next day. There was no guilt, only happiness.
This change in perspective extended beyond Halloween. I started saying no to certain holiday activities that didn’t align with our family’s happiness. For instance, I skipped the “You’ve Been Booed” tradition in our neighborhood one year due to my son’s busy schedule, and I felt no guilt about it.
Choosing What Matters Most
I’ve also learned to prioritize activities that truly matter to our family. Our annual fall trip to a nearby farm, despite taking the kids out of school for a day, has become a cherished tradition. These memories mean more than a missed spelling test or math lesson. It’s about cherishing the moments that bring us joy.
Moral of This Story
As moms, we have the power to choose what matters most during the holidays. Whether you love going all out or need to cut back, it’s okay to make those decisions. Remember my son’s Bumblebee costume and how it taught me the importance of prioritizing joy over stress. So, as we dive into this fall season, let’s embrace the moments that bring us happiness and flip those metaphorical pancakes. Happy fall, y’all!
Thank you for joining me on the Burn Pancakes podcast. I look forward to our next conversation, and in the meantime remember, everyone burns their first pancake, so keep flipping!
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