Things don’t last forever.
Since 1997 we have enjoyed Christmas Break—that wonderful time when school kids (and college kids) get a long vacation from school. They get to stay home, sleep in, and otherwise be underfoot for two weeks or so.
I have been enjoying this wonderful time with my sons since they arrived home last Thursday. But this year the time is bittersweet because this will be their last winter break. We may never again spend this much time together over the Christmas holidays.
So long school, hello real world
Next year both boys will be working full-time. Son #1 will be in the middle of a year-long PT clinical internship. Son #2 will be in the first year of his accounting job. I suspect neither will have more than a few days off. We will probably have to make some adjustments to accommodate their schedules.
So we are all trying to savor these precious days: family dinner-and-a-movie night, lolling in front of the fire all afternoon talking with friends, making cookies to share with Grandma… Making each day count.
Why is it that we often forget to fully appreciate something until we realize we’re about to lose it?
I realize the long stretch between Christmas and New Year’s with a houseful of bored ten-year-olds can be a mite tiresome, but try to remember this too shall pass.
All too quickly.
Those bored ten-year-olds grow into twenty-somethings, teetering on the edge of a brand new phase of life, one that does not include two-week holidays at Christmas.
That’s what I’m thinking about this December. I hope you are taking time to savor your Christmas moments as well.
That’s all for now, I’m off to spend more time with my sons.
Merry Christmas!
Photo credits
Pitt: thekellyscope via Compfight cc
Lehigh: Kyle Slattery via Compfight cc