Do you remember how I shared last year that the holiday season has been tough for me emotionally over the years? Throughout my life I’ve lost several family members around this time of year and last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Not fun stuff, I assure you. (Though good news, my dad’s levels have gone down since his surgery earlier this year.)
Despite my own hang ups about Christmas I want my kids to love this time of year as children should. I want it to be fun, happy, special and magical. I want it to bring a smile to their face not tears.
This year is the start of really resetting my attitude towards Christmas. The past two years Rissa was still too young to really know what was going on plus we still were dealing with unpleasant news each year. But this year? This year she knows who Santa is, knows what presents are and loves looking at pretty Christmas trees.
But you know who really forced my hand this year? Xander.
I think the little guy held out to ensure his birthday was smack dab in the middle of the holiday season so I’d be forced to focus on something happy….helping me reset my attitude about this time of year. And I totally love my family for it.
So now I’m resetting my holiday memories. While I’ll never forget past Christmases – good and bad – I want to create new, happier ones with my family. I am looking forward to creating new traditions with our kids. We’ll take some from Brian’s childhood and mine and mix in some completely new to us ones.
I can’t wait.
Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.
Tiffany C.
Monday 4th of February 2013
Love your family photo. I need to get one done, soon! I wasn't a huge fan of the holidays before having kids. When my dad passed away, 20 years ago, that kind of ruined it for me. I can now enjoy things through my kids, and that's nice. Glad things are turning around for you around the holidays.
Darcy Zalewski
Wednesday 6th of February 2013
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I can understand how that affected holidays for you. I love getting a second chance with holidays now though.
Tahlia B.
Friday 28th of December 2012
I believe it...this holiday season I found myself looking back and feeling sad about how things have changed so much through the years and we don't spend those days together anymore. I had to tell myself now that I have my own family, I have to start creating memories for my daughter. It's hard to feel sad when the sights and sounds of the holidays bring such amazement to our young ones.
Darcy
Saturday 29th of December 2012
Yes! Rissa's excitement and pure joy make it fun in a new way for me. The holidays are no longer about me - no reason to take that happiness from her. Even her love of the snow...as much as I want to groan about it I don't want to make her think it's bad when she clearly enjoys playing in it.
Liza @ Views From the 'Ville
Tuesday 25th of December 2012
Kids definitely do change your perception of everything - the holidays included! I'm glad to hear that yours sound like they're getting better and better. That's a beautiful family pic, too!
Darcy
Saturday 29th of December 2012
It's one of those things that seem so cliche but is so true....I see so many things differently now. Heck I change my approach and attitude about plenty of other things because of them so why not the holidays too, right? :)
And thank you!