The truth is, this scenario is far more typical of baking with our kids during the holidays than one where magazine-worthy houses are crafted alongside perfectly shaped and decorated cookies while children giggle with flour-covered hands.

We’re just a few days away from Christmas and by now you’ve probably noticed a trend on social media where moms and dads are capturing their family’s daily Advent activity or Christmas craft and posting a photo of it.

Day 1: Write Christmas cards to children in the hospital.

Day. 2: Watch a Christmas movie.

Day. 3: Make holiday cookies together.

This goes on for the full 25 days.

Doing something meaningful with your child for 25 days in a row might be fun and joyful for you, but I bet for many moms even the idea is stressful. Yet, you feel pressured to participate because of things like Facebook and Instagram. Like my niece and the gingerbread house, you set out with high hopes that you would complete the family Advent calendar this year, but somewhere along the way—around day 12—everything collapsed.

Traditions are a wonderful part of childhood. But when fun traditions turn into stressful expectations multiplied by the pressure of social media…