Gravitropism
Here’s another clip of the kids. Penelope smiles, talks to her brother, we get a glimpse of the future between them, Luke recites a seasonally-appropriate Bible verse and both of them display their knowledge of the world:
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Our sibling Christmas party was tonight. Diane’s younger brother and sister, with their respective significant others, visited, like last year. We had a great time, snacking on an appetizer-ish dinner with a variety of Christmas sweets afterward. We exchanged gag gifts and “real” gifts. Diane got an assortment of toiletry products and I received an assortment of car care and repair products. So we’re set in those ways, and thankful.
We were just conversing about how different Christmas is beginning to feel this year. Beyond just the acceleration of the days, where the month used to drag like no other, the quality of the festivities and conventions has assumed a different tone. I remarked that Christmas really is about the kids. We’re moving into that latter period in life where the excitement and “magic,” as it were, belongs to them for a little while–and we’re both quite comfortable with that. I don’t want–I’ve never wanted–mountains of goodies on Christmas morning, and I’m beyond satisfied with practical gifts, or clothing, or anything, really. It’s another passing of the generation baton.
With that, though, comes the realization that it’s our responsibility, by and large, to shape our children’s conception and expectations of Christmas. These are crucial years for them both, especially Luke as he’s starting to realize what goes on and can anticipate the holiday. What we do now will set them up for years that follow, and provides a good opportunity for lessons about expectations and weathering the ups and downs of life in general.