This time of year…
The kids are out of school for the next two weeks. We kicked the holidays off with a gingerbread house assembly and decorating activity that Nick led for them and some of their friends from our neighborhood. We're kicking off a new last-week-of-the-year campaign at the stores that I had Ila and Nico help with on Saturday.
Today, I spent the majority of the day at Ila’s indoor track meet. After dropping her off, I came home to pick up Zadie and Nico so we could attend the Christmas service at our church. Once I brought them back home, I returned to the meet where I sat for several hours waiting for Ila’s six minute performance around the track.
Just mom trying to keep it together this holiday season.
Maybe it’s the fact that we live in the middle of New York City or maybe it’s because we don’t have a garage, attic, or basement storage unit to throw the toys and chachkies that we’ve lost interest in all too quickly, but this time of year always gives me agita because of the pressures of gift-giving and managing the gifts that are given to the children from their extended family.
At our last school parent development meeting, parents reflected on what they liked and disliked about this time of year. Some talked about all of the things they do to celebrate the holidays and others reflected on the new traditions they have created for their kids. Both during the holidays and throughout the year, I prefer focusing on activities that build memories rather than stressing over the toys or gifts on our kids' Christmas lists.
We celebrate this season of Advent by reading an evening devotional followed by the kids enjoying the treats from their Advent calendars. Last year we started an Elf on the Shelf tradition. While I can’t commit to a month of these shenanigans, seeing the children wake up each morning to find what the elf has gotten into the previous night does bring me joy. Each year, we also always decorate sugar cookies so we can leave some for Santa, who, in our household, only leaves one present for each child.
On Saturday, I shared a post on our shop account that said, “In NYC, ice cream dates > more toys. Our children really just want our attention for Christmas. Shop ice cream gift cards this weekend for your nearest and dearest,” and I truly believe this sentiment.
Our attention is the most precious gift we can give our kids. I realize better than most how challenging it can be to give undivided attention to anyone. During this time of year, I'm reminded that the greatest gifts we can give are the everlasting memories we create together.
If you're in Harlem, I hope you'll visit us during the weekdays for our Harlem Holiday Happy Hour...we're talking $3 kid scoops and $5 hot chocolates. When you come, you'll get a gift for January that Ila and Nico helped prepare!
Petrushka
Your Local Ice Cream Lady & Life/Business Coach