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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Thanksgiving Aftershock

As much as it pains me to admit it, the days following Thanksgiving jar me into a harsh reality that, for 11 months out of the year, I try to avoid. Holiday shopping. The countdown of the final few weeks to figure out an appropriate and affordable gift for family members, friends, daycare providers, some coworkers, etc. etc. really places undue pressure on the perpetual procrastinator that I am proud to be.

OK, so waiting until the last minute is not ideal – especially with two young children who accompany me on almost every shopping trip – but it is EXCITING – and for me, much more efficient. If I have weeks to labor over what to get my cousin’s kids – who I see once a year and whose ages I can only approximate – then I will take weeks to decide. If I have two days left before I am going to see them, rest assured I will make a speedy decision.

Truth be told, as I get older, I do need the constant reminder of pending holidays. If I was not bombarded with a constant barrage of Christmas music, or faced with dazzling displays of decoration, I might forget to add a gift for my aunt’s second husband’s daughter from his first marriage to my shopping list.

Or, at the very least I would not have so many opportunities to experience the magic of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of my children.

I am grateful that no matter how many times we drive past the house with the inflatable Santa, they are always amazed. Looking for houses with lights on them has become an activity for the commute home - which saves me from listening to the same Barney CD and allows me to have some great conversations with my 3 year old. Trips to the store with the kids become much more enjoyable when we can take a break from shopping and play with the reindeer, snowmen, dogs, penguins (yes, penguins), and Santa’s who sing and dance when you squeeze their hand.
As hard as this holiday season is – because it is my first as a truly single parent – I will be forever thankful that my children are able to renew my excitement and share their fascination with me. Maybe this year, I will even be inspired to start shopping a few weeks in advance.

posted for Kathy+2

3 Comments:

  • At 3:30 PM, Blogger RmrJmrGrl said…

    I've found renewed excitement in the holidays from my son. Kids are great for making you realize why life is fun!

     
  • At 3:30 PM, Blogger RmrJmrGrl said…

    I've found renewed excitement in the holidays from my son. Kids are great for making you realize why life is fun!

     
  • At 7:25 PM, Blogger Goodies for Mom said…

    We also have turned looking for house with lights and inflatables into a fun commuting pasttime.

    I'm almost done shopping. YEAH!!! What did people do before the WWW?

     

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