We finally got our tree decorated! Woohoo! We wanted to wait until Carlin was home to do it. It has always been a tradition for our family to decorate the tree all together. Since this is the first year we have launched one of the kids out of "the nest", we didn't want to lose that tradition yet. It was so nice to have Carlin home for a few days this week while he was studying for finals. We put the Christmas music on and did it together, just like we have always done since they were little.
I was asking the kids about what they remember about our Christmas traditions. They remember that when they were little, after we would decorate the tree, we would shut off all the lights and watch the patterns the flickering lights on the tree made on the ceiling. They also remember late night services at Sacred Heart and lighting the advent wreath. We also have made a habit of watching "It's a Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve. When the kids were little, Darrin used to say, "What's George Bailey gonna do, kids?" So now they tease him with that before he can get it out. But, what surprised me is that the most consistent memory they have is how every Christmas morning Dad makes them wait as long as possible to open presents by sleeping in. They know he is teasing them, and that he is getting great enjoyment in pretending to be sooooo tired for as looooooong as possible, but they always get right into the spirit of nagging and bugging him until he finally gets up. Then, he has to have his cup of coffee, take his time, etc. It's in the Parkin blood to love to tease you know, and what better time than Christmas morning?
Those are the little things that bind a family together and are so precious that they are easy to take for granted. This Christmas, it is my commitment to myself to not take one small, precious moment for granted.... but to savour each and every one.....
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