I'm not what I would consider a staunch traditionalist. I'd rather not have turkey for a holiday meal. I'd rather open all my Christmas presents when they are purchased or mailed instead of waiting until Christmas morning. I don't see anything wrong with celebrating Christmas on a beach in the Bahamas.
But there are a few traditions that I really enjoy. A few years ago we did a simple craft in MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers). We took home a large piece of linen fabric and a fabric pen. The fabric was a table runner that everyone was to write on each Thanksgiving what their favorite T-Day memory was or what they were thankful for that year. I LOVE IT! It's so fun to look back and remember what we did. One year Becky and I were in Morocco. One year we ate pie first. This year my brother was with us. Last year we were in Colorado and had 50 people for dinner. Another tradition I love is advent calendars. My kids get an advent calendar every year from my grandma. She used to get me one when I was a kid.
Here's a tradition that I really don't like. Let me preface this by saying that sometimes I have unrealistic expectations of something that really just set me up for disappointment. This was one of those times. Last week we got a list in the paper of some of the big light displays that people put up outside their homes. Since there were several listed in our area, we decided to map them out and drive around last night. What a disaster.
Unrealistic expectation #1: That my kids would be able to ride around in the car for an hour without fighting, but would oooh and aahhh at the beautiful displays. Instead they just irritated each other and yelled, "CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!" every time we passed a house with more than one colored light on it. They were either complaining of being bored or being hungry.
Unrealistic expectation #2: That I'd get a nice hot latte to enjoy while we drive. Just didn't happen. Grrr.
Unrealistic expectation #3: That people in my area would be able to tastefully decorate their homes. I failed to recognize that we live in what one might call "Redneck Territory". So we weren't looking at beautiful homes draped in icicle lights. We were looking at cardboard box homes with every inch of yard filled with the tackiest plastic or blow-up character. I didn't realize that Spongebob could be associated with Christmas. Oh wait, he had a Santa hat on, so I guess that counts. Did you know that Santa doesn't ride in a sleigh anymore but a Harley? There were 2 homes that looked like they were having, what Skip so eloquently described as, a pissing match. They were directly across the street from each other. Each yard had 50-75, 2-3ft tall plastic, lit up snowmen. They were all facing the street, looking like 2 armies getting ready to face off. It was disgusting.
We just might try out the Macy's 8th floor display in downtown Minneapolis this year. But I'm worried that it will be another Holiday tradition that sounds fun but is really just a hassle. What do you think my fellow Minnesota moms?
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
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Direct quote form Macy’s website, “This year's theme, "A Day in the Life of an Elf at Macy's SantaLand" will tell the story of Santa's elves at the North Pole as they prepare for Christmas. Auditorium guests will enjoy seeing what happens in an elf's life from waking up and getting Santa's mail to teaching the reindeer how to fly and learning about Christmas traditions.” Ending with the words ‘Christmas Tradition’ may indicate you should not raise your expectations too high, but at least they will not ruin a perfectly good children’s story as they have in the past. I am typically fifty-fifty on visiting Macy’s 8th floor, however, my interest is peeked after learning it will not be a well known children’s’ story. I do highly recommend the Holidazzle Parade of lights. http://www.holidazzle.com/
I'm not a Minnesota mom, but I'll weigh in here anyway.
First off, your post is hilarious, especially your description of the lights.
Secondly, I am finding that I hate [HATE] expectations. They kill me. I'm trying to learn how to live without them. That way I'm never disappointed.
We drive around to see lights just for the cheesy factor. Yes, they are tacky and at times with music, loud and annoying. It gives us reason to be thankful that we do not have "those kind" of neighbors. Kids are awed by them, and since we don't do anything remotely close to that to our house, it's fun to see others who do (and choose to pay the electricity bill and then store it 11 months out of the year!) As for Macy's, we are headed there tomorrow. It has definitely been a tradition when I was growing up and I haven't missed it since having my own kids. There were some years that were duds, but it's the memory of going "downtown," riding the elevator, and standing in line down the long hall that makes it all worth it. Holidazzle, now that's another story. Watch it on tv with a cup of hot cocoa and be thankful you're not one of the freezing schmucks standing outside like we were last year!
Going around looking at the lights is one of our family traditions. We bring along sugar cookies, map out a few places we want to hit and always do it on a night when we can go see a live nativity so we can remember why we really celebrate the holiday. We definitely have redefined what makes a good display (and laugh at some of them) but the kids like doing it. Expectations can be the downfall of ANY experience you try to do with kids (and probably without too). I try not to have too high of expectations when we do ANYTHING (although sometimes I fail big time) but yesterday when I went through the Underwater Adventures tunnel of sharks & really cool fish with Alyssa & Matt, I didn't get too bent out of shape when Alyssa demanded to be carried, buried her head in my neck and refused to look BOTH times we went through it despite the quite expensive ticket I paid for her! Matt on the other hand, loved every minute of it! :-) Best laid plans sometimes just don't work!
Next week we'll try the 8th floor Macy's display & hopefully that will go better! - Actually another tradition and the kids love the fact they get to go downtown as much as they enjoy going through the display - just beware, it won't take you that long to go through it and if you go at a time when there's a long line, good possibility of disappointment...
I think we just don't have the formula right for a good time looking at lights. I think we need the food. I know the Macy's thing is a quick walk-through. That's what makes me wary of going. And I, for the record, HATE Holidazzle. It's way too freakin' cold. Didn't ya'll hear that The Farmer's Almanac predicted a particularly cold winter this year? No weirdos walking around in lighted suits for me. My kids were miserable last year. I think we'll stick with our favorite tradition of giving away our toys to a family in need. That's way more fun. :-)
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