As a Mother You'll Understand

This short monologue presents a mother reflecting on the overwhelming responsibilities of Christmas preparations. As she mentally checks off her to-do list, she recognizes the immense pressure mothers face during the holiday season. She then shifts her thoughts to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and considers how Mary’s faith was built on trust in God without the guidance of mothers before her. The piece highlights the contrast between modern skepticism and Mary’s simple, powerful faith, ultimately encouraging Christians to embrace that same trust in God.

Run-Time:  Approximately 5 minutes

Biblical Reference:

Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:19 – Mary’s faith in accepting God’s plan and pondering these things in her heart.

Cast-Time: 1

This drama is a monologue, involving one female actor.

Set, Costume:
No particular set is necessary, and everyday clothing may be worn.

Sample Script

(Lights up. The actor enters, speaking aloud while checking an imaginary list, then addresses an audience member.)

Actor, (thinking): Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg . . . what was that other one? Oh, I knew I would forget one of them! I can’t believe it! The family is going to go into shock if I don’t have our traditional spice cookies for Christmas! Where did I put that recipe? I think I loaned it to Joan, but I’m sure she’d give it back to me. As a mother, she understands how important these holiday traditions are! Think, think! What am I going to do?

Actor:
Oh, hi! Yes, I’m rambling on to myself again! I think every mother goes through the same fifty lists in their heads, over and over. It is so important not to forget anything at Christmas, isn’t it? I mean, the holiday just wouldn’t be the same, now would it?

You know, as a mother, you understand.

I think I have everything else under control. I have the Christmas morning gifts wrapped in red and the Christmas Eve gifts wrapped in green, the chocolates are set out on the dining room table—without nuts, just like Tommy likes. And I remembered to use the poinsettia placemats that Joe’s Aunt June made for his mom four years ago.

Oh, yes, I also have all the doors equipped with jingle bells and mistletoe.

Okay, dinner’s in the oven, salads are in the fridge, homemade pie is ready, cider is warming, music is playing—Bing Crosby as always—and candles on the mantle are lit.

Okay, have I forgotten anything?

(Looks to an imaginary person in the audience.)

Organized? Well, you know what they say—Christmas usually all falls to the mother. It’s true—the shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the planning, the company, the cleaning—I could go on!

As a mother, you understand.

I mean, you know it’s coming all year, and still, we get thrown into the flurry of it in the last three weeks of the season. Hard to believe how far the Christmas season has turned from the first Christmas.

(Pauses, then chuckles.)

Look who I’m talking to—as a mother, you’ll understand.

It’s a lot of pressure, really. It’s all up to the mother.

Makes you wonder if Mary

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