Yes, I still have the Christmas tree up in my family room. No, it was not my idea.
Those who know me well know my Christmas decor is down by January 1st every year. I like getting it done while we’re still on break so I don’t have to worry about it once we get going with school and activities again. I’m also very practical and somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to home decor. So as much as I love Christmas, I prefer not to have a big tree in my family room (in place of my side table and lamp) past the first week in January. All that to say having my Christmas tree up in the middle of February is not something I would have ever thought of doing on purpose.
As I was taking the Christmas tree ornaments down this year, my son reminded me of how he used to ask me to keep the Christmas tree up for his birthday because he thought “It would be fun”. I had never granted that request because his birthday is on February 24th. That’s two more months after Christmas! Even though he had asked me a few years in a row, I just could not bring myself to do it.
As my son continued to talk, it suddenly dawned on me that he will be turning sixteen this year, sixteen! He will be driving, getting a job, and finishing high school soon. The saying “The days are long but the years are short,” echoed in my mind like a wave of perspective washing over me.
“Would you like me to leave the Christmas tree up this year for your birthday?” I asked him hoping I was not too late. He replied in disbelief, “Really?” I thought for a moment he might reject the idea now that he’s older, but he gave me a big smile and quickly added, “Sure, let’s do it!”
I wish I would have had the freedom to think outside the box when he first proposed this idea several years ago, just like I wish I would have done many other things differently when my kids were younger. But I’m thankful for the opportunity each new day brings to learn from my children’s personalities, strengths, and perspectives. I love that they challenge and expand my own thinking.
I encourage you to ask the Lord to help you embrace your children’s uniqueness, pick your battles, and look for ways to say “yes” more often in areas that will fill your children’s love bank.
Your turn!
- What kind of memories do you want to build while your kids live at home?
- How do you want them to remember their childhood?
- What is one thing you can do for your kids this week that will fill their love bank?
- In what ways are your children’s personalities different than yours?
- What can you do to think outside the box and honor their personalities?
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