As a dad with an 11-year-old fully engaged in the coming of Santa and a 21-year-old and an 18-year-old arriving home from college, it’s a wonderful time, one during which memories will surely be made. Day trips. Walks. Late nights. Maybe not much writing.
Keeley, our fifth-graders, has maybe a year or two of Santa left. So the Corrigan family –– parents and older sisters –– are all in. The Elf on the Shelf is moving magically each night. The note to Santa has been written. Gifts are hidden in nooks and crannies throughout. I’ve got my ugly Christmas sweater out and at the ready; my Santa hat on.
We are traveling to my parents’ home this year, and saying my mother enjoys Christmas is like saying the Easter Bunny has a minor affection for eggs. The house has been decorated for a month. Empty boxes are wrapped and displayed on staircases. She got –– because three granddaughters are coming –– a 12-foot tree (you and I are both glad we didn’t have to bring it inside, believe me). We will all eat too much, drink a little too much, and have a ball.
But…
...the writer in me knows the holidays are always a time of stops and starts, momentum rushes and halts. I’m eager to spend time with my family, for sure, but my New Year’s resolution will inevitably be to play catch-up.
First-world problems? Absolutely. I’m lucky to have a great family, and I am looking forward to spending time with them.
Still, if I’m being completely honest, I won’t be upset if the ladies in the house want to go shopping and leave me and the dog behind for a few hours…
Happy holidays!
2 comments:
I very much enjoy your posts throughout the year. Wishing you and family a joyous holiday season (and you and the dog some peace and quiet!).
<- HawrHawr
Post a Comment