Christmas 2014 Reflection
http://therokusekfamily.blogspot.com /2013/12/grown-up-christmas-list.html |
‘Tis the Monday after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse (I should hope not!).
It has been a great Christmas season, but oh how much times have changed! As my children all grow up, I find the reality of our family has changed. A lot.
No longer a time for finding the popular toys, channeling abounding adrenaline, or dealing with sleepless nights (okay – so they might still have had a bit of sleeplessness Christmas Eve), this Christmas season was more “grown up”. While a part of me was a bit sad, another part of me found that we were closer and more intimate than ever before as a family unit. Our children insisted on more “us” time on Christmas morning before the extended family came over. Our appreciation of gifts between each other seemed deeper.
During this Christmas break I am very conscious of my changing role as my children’s mother. At 15, 18, and 21 – they don’t need me for much of anything, which is good, that means I’ve done some very right things in raising them. What I am now in process of is discovering is what they “want” me for – which is immensely more satisfying. Some of them want me more than others, and that’s okay. I also know that’s going to ebb and flow through the years. That’s not to say it’s not a challenge for me to let this role change develop, but it really is okay – that’s how it should be.
Motherhood – it’s all about change!
As I've grown older, I too relish the family part of Christmas. As I mentioned in a Facebook post, you can pretty much keep all the presents at Christmas. My real gifts are my children.
Motherhood is all about change, true.
But, so are vending machines.
Have a great 2015!
Soon enough the toys will return as you become a grandmother. Just enjoy the time with your almost completely adult children now.