It’s the holidays. I can feel the anticipation as Christmas break draws near, two glorious weeks off school for my teenagers. But I also feel the two stress balls festering as their workload doubles in the next few weeks as classes wrap up for the new year. So, what kind of holiday season will it be? “Bah-humbug or “let’s be merry and bright.”
When I was a teenager, many years ago, my parents began to ask my sisters and I about gift alternatives. We didn’t need material things they argued. So in true parental style, they turned their attention to family vacations instead. They asked if we would rather go somewhere than receive gifts. I believe we all unanimously jumped for joy at the thought of a tropical destination. What could be better than a bikini and warm ocean water in December? So, one Christmas we all headed off to the Caribbean for seven days and nights on a Princess cruise ship.
I can remember the trip quiet clearly as monumental memories flood back. My parents seeing my hidden back tattoo for the first time, going to a nude beach with my parents (we kept suits on obviously, but yikes nonetheless), sneaking alcohol and meeting boys. I think what my parents didn’t quiet understand, or maybe they did it on purpose, was that our family vacation was separate; us teen girls took off to do our own thing, as did they. Pretty much a win-win for all of us. Dinner together at night and some day excursions together, which were fun by the way. Actually, in hindsight, it was one of the best trips we all ever took. Christmas in the tropics, I highly recommend.
So I recently asked my teens if they too wanted plane tickets to stay with various aunts and uncles spread across the United States, instead of presents. My teens don’t need anything either and flying them somewhere safe to be around extended family sounds pretty good to me. I’m talking Chicago, a winter wonderland or Southern California to hit up Malibu, watch the surfers, go shopping.
Interestingly, neither one jumped in joy or even considered the opportunities. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I thought they both would be into a self-guided adventure, both seeking independence and excitement. I guess Santa will be coming down my chimney after all this year, with presents for everyone.
I’ll take it as a compliment I suppose, that my teenagers want to be around still. They might prefer home cooked meals and our family traditions around the holidays. Hanging at home, being with friends, watching movies might sound better than being on an airplane headed for foreign destinations.
I guess I’m a little glad for it, too. There is nothing like a full house during break, baking, reading, lounging. Of course, I’ll still be my busy self, full-on Mom mode, but they will get the rest they need.
So here is to a smooth month, stress-free shopping and planning. I’m looking forward to it finally. I myself was a little humbug, but I’m starting to feel the holiday spirit and am looking forward to the memories that will be created this year as we look ahead to 2019.
Cheers everyone to a happy, safe holiday season!
Elizabeth Knobel lives in Windsor and is the mother of two teens who give her inspiration everyday. She can reached at el*********@ms*.com.
