Every once-in-a-while I get in this mood where I really, really miss the old days. This Christmas I couldn’t help but reflect on how much more fun it was when my children were younger.
I remember relatives excitedly coming over, bearing huge loads of presents. Its not that the amount of presents made it enjoyable but the sheer excitement of seeing small hands tear into the paper. I loved the squeals of delight, giggles and laughter that often erupted from them.
This Christmas my children received money from everyone. They didn’t get one single present to unwrap. It’s not that I am blaming anyone…it is the nature of having teens. But it sure isn’t fun like it used to be.
And if you’re lucky, you will get some form of acknowledgement from them, like a half smile…grrr.
I also remember how after the gift opening, the kids were scattered all around us. They would play with their new toys or ask for someone to help put something together.
This Christmas they were scattered all right, but into other rooms. My oldest son and oldest nephew disappeared into my son’s cave, where they were rocking out on their guitars. My youngest son and youngest nephew disappeared into my son’s bedroom where they played video games. And my daughter spent most of her time in her bedroom, texting her boyfriend.
No, Christmas isn’t quite the same. So I really had to try and find the fun and enjoyment in the other parts of the day.
Like the kids eating dinner with us. No longer do we separate them and put them at the “children’s table.” Or when we played Apples to Apples…boy did we laugh.
So it’s not that we didn’t have good moments. It’s just that this year I couldn’t help but miss some of the old Christmases.
You come to this realization that the passage of time changes things and you really do have to accept it. It’s not that it’s bad or wrong…it’s just different.
If you are a mom of teens, do you sometimes find yourself missing the old days?
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Photo by kakisky in morgueFile