The internet has been left equal parts nostalgic and astonished after a new mom revealed how she spent her maternity leave.
At the time of writing, the post has received 16,000 upvotes and dozens of comments of how the living room draped in colorful paper garlands looked like something straight out of a holiday catalog.
What also surprised commenters was not just the cozy aesthetic, but the sheer dedication behind it.
"Did you cut all those strips with scissors? How long did it take? Looks great!" one user asked.
The OP confirmed the labor-intensive process. "Yep with scissors! I started a week ago and I've worked on it an hour or so most days."
The images struck a powerful chord with many others, evoking childhood memories and simpler times.
"Thank you for sharing this. It's been a long time since I've seen these. I can smell the paper!" one commenter wrote. Another added, "I was just thinking I haven't seen these since elementary school. I love them!"
The post also opened the door to more vulnerable reflections about how different postpartum experiences can be -- especially during the holidays. One user shared a stark contrast to the picture-perfect scene.
"I was on maternity leave this time three years ago and I was either sleeping or trying my best not to fall asleep the entire time," one user said. "I don't think we even opened presents on Christmas Day, but did it a few days later simply because we were too overwhelmed to deal with it."
Another commenter described feeling "forlorn," explaining that pregnancy, home renovations, exhaustion and a newborn who wouldn't sleep had made the holidays feel out of reach for the second year in a row.
"I always had fantasies of what the holidays would look like once I had a family. I dreamed of something like what OC posted. Here's to next year," they wrote.
The OP shared an empathetic response and pushed back on the idea that her photos represented a flawless postpartum reality.
"I'm so sorry you're forlorn! The paper chains are partially a product of my anxiety and inability to sit still and relax during this season of life. They helped distract my exhausted and overthinking brain," she replied.
She went on to note that she is fortunate to have a partner also on leave, while emphasizing that newborn life is still messy and exhausting.
"My baby also just peed in my hair/face at his last diaper change and only sleeps a few hours at a time like a typical newborn. These photos are just a living room not a postpartum experience," she explained.
The OP encouraged the user to give themselves grace. "I believe you can and will have your fantasy holiday in the future," she continued. I wish you and your babe peace and love."