Celebrate your authentic self this holiday season

In the two-plus decades since I’ve been a parent, Dec. 1 marks the return of Christmas music into my family’s life. It’s heard in the car, the kitchen, whenever and as often as possible, to conclude triumphantly on Dec. 25. When I was the supreme mama ruler of young ones, this was all well and good, but as the kids grew up and developed their own musical preferences, enjoying the mandatory 25 days of holiday tunes became a challenge at times. Still, I forged ahead.

“It’s once a year! It’s festive and joyful,” I proclaimed...