December is (Now) the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

When I was 14, my father unexpectedly passed away. I was a freshman in high school, a cheerleader, and thinking I was at the top of my game… until I got checked out of school on December 8th and my whole world was flipped upside down. Anyone who has lost a parent knows how earth shattering it is, at any age. Being a hormonal high school girl, I became an angry and rebellious (for me) child.

And every single December moving forward, I would enter my “gloom and doom” month.

As a college student, I would let myself get lost in studying to stay away from any happiness and celebration. Basically, I was the Grinch.

As a classroom teacher, I would “fake it ‘til I make it,” and keep my smile and cheer plastered on for my students each year. I would leave school and have an intense workout, sulk around my apartment, and just be mad at the world. How could I celebrate anything during a time when I lost my hero? It was unfathomable to me.

And then I became a parent. And suddenly my whole outlook on December shifted.

Everything is Magical

I don’t even know how to truly put it into words, but I know everyone is in agreement that seeing the holiday season through the eyes of a child is truly magical. Seeing Santa, a parade, even driving down the street and hearing their excitement when they see an inflatable of their favorite character, or trying to squeeze in as many of the wonderful holiday activities as Memphis has to offer within a month long period, the excitement my kids – or ANY kids – have this time of year is contagious. 

Being in a “Nutcracker Mom Era”

I started taking my almost 11 year old to see The Nutcracker right before she turned 3. She already loved ballet and my husband and I both knew she was ready. And when we left that show, she said when she was older she wanted to be an angel in a production of The Nutcracker.  Fast forward to moving to Memphis, and that dream came true when she was 8. We are now in our third year of her dancing in the Nutcracker, and I think I look forward to being a “Nutcracker dance mom” as much as she enjoys performing this timeless classic.  She told me the other night that ballet is her life, and watching her on the stage each December fills my heart with such joy and pride.

Enjoying the Chaos with Friends

As parents, we all know December is such a busy time, sometimes to the point of it being stressful. However, I try to soak up watching our kids interact with their peers this time of year.  School holiday programs, gingerbread house decorating parties, playing the ukulele and singing carols and other holiday songs after school, learning about other holidays and customs; the list goes on and on. And when I see our children surrounded by their friends and classmates, learning, laughing, experiencing, and having fun, I am very quickly reminded of the joy and magic of the holiday season. 

Giving TO Receive

Ever since my oldest was a toddler, we have stressed the importance of giving to others this time of year. Cleaning out toys to donate, baking to sell with the money made going to MIFA, and adopting a child through projects like The Angel Tree are programs our family has always participated in. Our kids live in a society full of wants, so my husband and I like to try to use this time to focus on helping others who are less fortunate get THEIR wants (and needs). We have our kids be a part of the process when choosing what they are donating, and we let them come shop with us for items from our adopted child’s wish and need list. While it is often hard for kids at younger ages to understand this, we still march forward with this lesson so that they know it is one of OUR traditions each year. My dad was known for his philanthropic side and giving heart, instilling this in our crew young is something I know he would be so proud of.  (It should also be noted that having them help us shop for someone else’s needs as a gift helps them understand that some of their gifts may be things they need as well – win, win in my book!). 

When I think about my dad, he really was such a jolly person who put other people and their happiness first. While I spent so many Decembers after losing him in such a funk during the entire month, being a mom has really brightened my spirits during this time of year. I like to think that we enjoy it all in his honor and memory. It really is the most wonderful time of year, and I look forward to it now, even with ALL THE THINGS that come with it.