When will we read books that depict Mrs. Claus as the great Santa Claus’ equal? When will she no longer be seen as the silent observer in the background and finally be seen for the strong female lead she so obviously is? She quietly allows Santa to take all the glory for successfully delivering Christmas gifts to good boys and girls all over the world. Gifts that she tirelessly handcrafted alongside the workshop elves in the North Pole. Gifts that were so thoughtfully procured by the grandmotherly figure at home with Santa. Alas, this isn’t so different from our own reality.
Women and mothers, specifically, have been put under enormous pressure this past year and we’ve continued to show up and get the job done and fight for what was necessary, all without the expectation of praise or acknowledgment for our accomplishments. We put the needs of our loved ones ahead of our own, more than we’ve ever done in the past. We reminded ourselves that “this won’t last forever…” and even said it out loud to our children to reassure them in the midst of their anxieties about why they can’t go to the park or visit their grandparents out of state.
As women, it’s in our nature to care and give rather selflessly. I recall my own mom often choosing to wear the same outdated winter coat year after year and it never dawned on me until I became a mother myself just how that happened and that it wasn’t a choice for her to make – it was a calling. She had chosen motherhood and with that came a selflessness that lasts a lifetime, but in return, the love is oh so sweet.
This year, I encourage you to take a new look at Mrs. Claus and to try to rearrange her in the story. Put her at the forefront, and in effect, I want you to do the same for yourself. Reflect on the actions of this woman as the caretaker and nurturer and planner, and remember to see yourself in her. We are all Mrs. Claus.