The 7 Face-Palm-Worthy Ways Christmas Changes After Having Kids

When Charles Dickens wrote, "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times," we're pretty sure he wasn't talking about two cities but rather about surviving Christmas as a parent. We know the holiday season is supposed to be this magical time of togetherness, but when little kids are involved, let's not lie to one another: a lot of the joy is zapped from what were once effortless traditions. That's not to say decorating the tree as a family can't be fun, it's just not without its share of . . . challenges.

Now, take a closer look at what the holidays are really like before having kids and after. Consider it a visit from your parental ghosts of Christmas past and present. (As for Christmas future, let's just hope it involves a lot more sleep.)