The holiday season has arrived, and like clockwork, a stack of festive toy catalogs flooded my mailbox. In years past, my kids would eagerly snuggle up next to me, markers in hand, circling their desired gifts and cutting out pictures of the latest toys they hoped to find under the Christmas tree. They’d then enthusiastically shove their handmade lists into an envelope addressed to Santa.
However, this year is different. My little ones are no longer little, and those glossy catalogs filled with action figures, race tracks, and plush toys are destined for the recycling bin. It’s a bittersweet realization; my days of playing Santa are officially behind me, and the frantic toy shopping that once characterized my holiday season has come to an abrupt halt.
As I adjust to this new reality, I find myself longing for either a spiked eggnog or a grandchild—both would certainly help. These days, their Christmas wish lists include items that can’t be found in the toy aisles of major retailers. Instead of searching for the latest Lego set or trendy scooter, I’m heading to outdoor sporting goods stores in search of a cooler named Bigfoot, which apparently can keep ice cold for months. Seriously, who goes camping for that long? I’ll also be navigating the grooming aisle at the pharmacy, picking up men’s cologne and headbands. Just how many varieties of AXE spray does one person need?
It’s a stark reminder that my boys have grown, and that they no longer spend hours constructing elaborate worlds in Minecraft. I want to shout, “Stay young and keep playing! The real world can wait!”
While there’s a small part of me relieved to leave behind the late-night Christmas Eve toy assembly and the mad dash for batteries, I can’t help but mourn the joy on my kids’ faces as they discovered their new toys each Christmas morning. I’ll miss the excitement of them ripping through wrapping paper and their innocent disbelief as they wondered, “How did Santa know?” The joy of seeing them share their new toys with cousins during family gatherings was always a highlight.
However, the shift to having older children does come with its perks. I no longer wake to the sound of excited kids at the crack of dawn, and I have teens who can drive and run errands for me—what a blessing. The pace of the holiday season feels slower and more tranquil without the constant reminders of “How many days until Santa arrives?” I’ll cherish these quieter years filled with cash-only stockings and gifts that create family experiences rather than more toys.
I recognize that it won’t be long before the excitement of toy mania returns, likely with my future grandchildren. For now, I’ll embrace this more relaxed Christmas season.
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In summary, as children grow and outgrow the excitement of toy-filled Christmases, parents are faced with a mix of nostalgia and new opportunities for connection. While the holiday season may shift, the love and joy shared will always remain.