Holiday season
Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:31 am
I realize there has been sentiments of "seasonal blues" expressed on the board - which I very well understand. But I like to think of this as an almost "forced" time of year to simply assure we have our priorities straight. Isn't there a sense of self-satisfaction that comes from almost defiantely refusing to get caught up in all the commercialism?
And there have been many years, especially when the kids were dmall, that I very willingly got caught up in the commercialism. The key word is WILLINGLY - in other words, the season meant to me what I wanted it to mean. Not what I was told it shoudl mean.
And that evolves or at least changes.
This year, for me, it's family. We're sort of reached a "truce" in our counselling sessions enough to concentrate on enjoying having the kids home without that hanging over us. Having two kids away at college most of the year, it's great having the activity in and out as they bring their friends over. My wife decorates the house beautifully for every season (it's a labor of love for her, though it's gotten more of a chore as we've gotten older.) But the payoff came when my younger son came home after his last final - walked in the door exhausted - and said "Wow, I forgot how great the house looks at this time of year! What a difference from our dumpy apartment at school." Well, that's about as expressive aqs he gets to us usually, but the look on his face said it all - I coudl see all the stress pour out and a warm feeling overcome him. "It's really good to be home" I know he was feeling.
And the boyfreind situation with my daughter is still on her mind - but now she's got other activities to help her keep her mind off of it and just have fun with her friends, her brother, and his friends.
As far as my older son, he's gradually getting closer to girlfriend - his first serious relationship - and the confidence he's gaining as a result is great to see. We're taking the two of them out to dinner this Friday - and she actually asked my son if they coudl come back ot our house to play board games with us. "I really like your parents" she said to my son once - especially your dad." I only mention that becuase I think it shows that I've made progess getting out of my funk for the last many months.
Well, this sounded like one of those boring Christmas letters people write to brag about their families. Sorry - but the wrinkle here is that I've also referred to marital issues and relationship issues and personality issues on other posts. You don't see THAT in too many of those hokey letters!
Unfortunately - I don't have any time off over the holidays except Christmas Day itself. Fortunately, I have a job. (Which was not true for a month over the summer; I don't recall if I posted about that.)
Anyway - I hope everyone can find a measure of peace, love and friendship this season. Obviously it's best to have that all year round - but as I said this is as good a time as any to reflect on what gifts we have (of the non-material kind).
Ith - I assume your planned vacation in Mexico is still on. Maybe you're already there? Anyway - I hope you have (or had or are having) a GREAT time sipping "margs" at the poolside and enjoying time with just you and your husband. Such a stressful time you've had - and what a great way to end the year!
Everyone else - try not to let the holiday dictate your mood! It IS a wonderful life! I've always enjoyed talking to you all and expect that to continue for quite some time.
Thanks, Bob-san for keeping this going!
All my best to my friends in the WeAreAwake community - Ith, Congruous, Bob-san, JM, JLH, Lemon, Silvermoon, Picknick - and anyone else I missed!
"52" - more commonly known as Bill
And there have been many years, especially when the kids were dmall, that I very willingly got caught up in the commercialism. The key word is WILLINGLY - in other words, the season meant to me what I wanted it to mean. Not what I was told it shoudl mean.
And that evolves or at least changes.
This year, for me, it's family. We're sort of reached a "truce" in our counselling sessions enough to concentrate on enjoying having the kids home without that hanging over us. Having two kids away at college most of the year, it's great having the activity in and out as they bring their friends over. My wife decorates the house beautifully for every season (it's a labor of love for her, though it's gotten more of a chore as we've gotten older.) But the payoff came when my younger son came home after his last final - walked in the door exhausted - and said "Wow, I forgot how great the house looks at this time of year! What a difference from our dumpy apartment at school." Well, that's about as expressive aqs he gets to us usually, but the look on his face said it all - I coudl see all the stress pour out and a warm feeling overcome him. "It's really good to be home" I know he was feeling.
And the boyfreind situation with my daughter is still on her mind - but now she's got other activities to help her keep her mind off of it and just have fun with her friends, her brother, and his friends.
As far as my older son, he's gradually getting closer to girlfriend - his first serious relationship - and the confidence he's gaining as a result is great to see. We're taking the two of them out to dinner this Friday - and she actually asked my son if they coudl come back ot our house to play board games with us. "I really like your parents" she said to my son once - especially your dad." I only mention that becuase I think it shows that I've made progess getting out of my funk for the last many months.
Well, this sounded like one of those boring Christmas letters people write to brag about their families. Sorry - but the wrinkle here is that I've also referred to marital issues and relationship issues and personality issues on other posts. You don't see THAT in too many of those hokey letters!
Unfortunately - I don't have any time off over the holidays except Christmas Day itself. Fortunately, I have a job. (Which was not true for a month over the summer; I don't recall if I posted about that.)
Anyway - I hope everyone can find a measure of peace, love and friendship this season. Obviously it's best to have that all year round - but as I said this is as good a time as any to reflect on what gifts we have (of the non-material kind).
Ith - I assume your planned vacation in Mexico is still on. Maybe you're already there? Anyway - I hope you have (or had or are having) a GREAT time sipping "margs" at the poolside and enjoying time with just you and your husband. Such a stressful time you've had - and what a great way to end the year!
Everyone else - try not to let the holiday dictate your mood! It IS a wonderful life! I've always enjoyed talking to you all and expect that to continue for quite some time.
Thanks, Bob-san for keeping this going!
All my best to my friends in the WeAreAwake community - Ith, Congruous, Bob-san, JM, JLH, Lemon, Silvermoon, Picknick - and anyone else I missed!
"52" - more commonly known as Bill