Since having Lil Man, the holiday season has been really different for me. I mean, when you're either married or single, but keyword: childless, you really don't see the wonder and happiness the holiday season can bring.
My holiday season usually begins with December 1. I tend to keep the "holiday spirit" contained to just one month, because of my obsessive compulsive personality- I used to start decorating and celebrating in the middle of November, but it only gave me a mountain of credit card debt (I used to give flippin' AWESOME presents) and seven totes full of Christmas decorations (not counting the ones I have stored in my parent's basement).
As I was saying, my holiday season starts with December 1, and ever since Lil Man was born, I couldn't wait to start decorating. He is finally getting to the age where his excitement is barely contained- he's been waking up each morning and looking for Sparky (our Elf on the Shelf) for the past four days, every time he sees Santa on TV he says we are buying a ticket to the North Pole to go see him, and he watches Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas at least once a week- so I am actually excited myself.
But other than the excitement, do you want to know what else is awesome about a holiday season with a child?
The look in a child's eyes when they see a house covered in Christmas lights.
The big hugs you receive after a your child opens all of their Christmas presents.
Waiting an hour in line for your child to take a picture with Santa, and the big smile you see get in return. Or the picture perfect screaming to get away from the man in red photo... either one is pretty awesome.
Holiday cheer. People are so giving around the holiday season- esp to children, and it tends to restore my faith in humanity.
Tree decorating. Sure, sometimes it becomes a hassle with a child, but that's only because they want to help. Once you give in, and let them help, it becomes an awesome bonding experience.
Tradition. Before you have a child, your traditions are usually focused around yours or your significant other's family, but once that child is born... oh man! It's fun to start NEW traditions like going to see the man in red, leaving cookie out on Christmas eve, a new movie and pjs for the whole fam, etc... and of course they are more meaningful.
DIY. Gifting items that come from the heart are always nice, but when a child helps it's always ten times better. What grandparent wouldn't want something like a thumbprint ornament?
Baking. Oh how I love to bake Christmas cookies! It's literally the only time of the year that I actually get into baking, and I love sharing the experience with Lil Man!
Presents. When you have a child, you are more concerned with them having a wonderful Christmas and getting presents. Usually you don't care if you, yourself gets a present, only your child, and in turn it makes you feel less selfish.
As adults, we generally don't play in the snow, but I can guarantee that when your child asks you to go play with them, you sure as heck are going to go do it.
The most awesome thing I love about having a child during the holiday season? The fact that they seem to make you feel like a child again.
Holiday cheer. People are so giving around the holiday season- esp to children, and it tends to restore my faith in humanity.
Tree decorating. Sure, sometimes it becomes a hassle with a child, but that's only because they want to help. Once you give in, and let them help, it becomes an awesome bonding experience.
Tradition. Before you have a child, your traditions are usually focused around yours or your significant other's family, but once that child is born... oh man! It's fun to start NEW traditions like going to see the man in red, leaving cookie out on Christmas eve, a new movie and pjs for the whole fam, etc... and of course they are more meaningful.
DIY. Gifting items that come from the heart are always nice, but when a child helps it's always ten times better. What grandparent wouldn't want something like a thumbprint ornament?
Baking. Oh how I love to bake Christmas cookies! It's literally the only time of the year that I actually get into baking, and I love sharing the experience with Lil Man!
Presents. When you have a child, you are more concerned with them having a wonderful Christmas and getting presents. Usually you don't care if you, yourself gets a present, only your child, and in turn it makes you feel less selfish.
As adults, we generally don't play in the snow, but I can guarantee that when your child asks you to go play with them, you sure as heck are going to go do it.
The most awesome thing I love about having a child during the holiday season? The fact that they seem to make you feel like a child again.
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