I'm feeling all weepy and nostalgic this week. Bear with me through this emotional sap. It's been busy and overwhelming, but the slain Lakewood Police funeral was the icing on this emotional cake. Talk about perspective. And nothing like a senseless, fatal tragedy to make you hug your kids just a little tighter.While we're busy planning our Christmas parties and gift lists, its a time to remember those who have so much less, or who have been dealt such devastating hands. A time to reflect of what Christmas really means and how to teach that to our children so they can feel the warmth and true spirit of the season.
As I get older, I realize the importance of what I'm reflecting to my kids with my actions. I'm trying to be less about the gift lists and hemorrhaging of money that seems to accompany the month of December. I'm trying to be more about the experience and feelings of the holiday and what it means to give to others. With our busy social calendars and family obligations, it seems a challenge to slow down and just enjoy this holiday season. But, we're trying. We're watching Christmas programming, and spending family time decorating and baking. We're focusing on the celebration of Jesus' birthday, spinning Santa as Jesus' friend. After all, how would Santa know if you've been good or bad if Jesus wasn't watching over us. At least that's the story that works for us.
I've been torn over the past few years about formulating a long-lasting family tradition for the holidays. With so much happening, there seems little time to be together as a family unit of 4. As a kid, I grew up with a sprinkling of family holiday parties, the same Christmas programs on tv, round-the-clock Christmas crooning by Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis, and a quiet lazy Christmas morning spent at the base of the Christmas tree. When we do get those quiet mornings, I want to take a photo of the feeling. It's my favorite moments, just watching the kids play together without the distraction of tv. No fighting or whining.
As my kids are getting older and participating in school based traditions like the annual Christmas program, I feel like time is racing away from us and there aren't enough gigabytes on my hard drive to save all the pictures and video needed to truly capture and remember these moments. I'm consciously reminding myself to "remember this moment", "don't forget this comment", "cherish this memory". But I'm human, and my internal hard drive is distracted and busy processing all the day-to-day needs that I heavily depend on blogging, baby books and Shutterfly to help me save these memories. Thank goodness for technology.
So, today as I will spend the afternoon helping my kids make a gingerbread village and watch Mickey's Christmas Carol with them, I'm looking forward to submersing myself in these activities and hope to soak up as much child-like enthusiasm and Christmas spirit as possible. How's that for sappiness?
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