What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas has meant many different throughout my life.
When I was a child, it meant icy cold nights at home being so excited I couldn’t sleep, lots of trips to church, and my lovely cuddly Nan wandering around pouring endless cups of tea.
In my teenage years it meant escaping that same house to drink cheap beer with mates whenever I could.
In my twenties, of course, it was all about how many parties I could cram into four weeks, navigating through the hangovers, and most importantly what DJ was playing on for New Year's Eve.
But now I'm a parent, Christmas has never been more different...
By buy
No more late night shopping fuelled by a couple of beers and a maxed out credit card...this year I’ve discovered that the best method for shopping success is being parked next to the entrance and scurrying through the doors at 9am.
And though a mission to Westfield with two kids is usually an exercise in complete shopping futility, we’ve already been bouncing around the house for three hours, so it’s either that, or building yet another sofa cushion Santa sleigh, an activity that pushes my reindeer mimicking abilities to their limit.
I’ve also learnt the true value of online shopping and lay-by: two phrases that were always a slight mystery to me, until my time, memory and purse strings became my most precious commodities.
Party time
Hands up who’s been to LOADS of parties in the last few weeks?
Yep, armed with a mountain of Kris Kringle presents and party bags, I’ve wiggled and clapped my way through four Christmas gatherings, two birthday parties, a Carols in the Park, and a pre-school concert.
Oh, but parties especially for grownups?
No.
Though I did catch up with a friend by the bouncy castle for a few minutes last Saturday afternoon, while we both played referee to a rather animated piñata episode.
The real meaning of Christmas
I’ve certainly learnt the true meaning of a lot of things these past few Christmases. Frantic, busy and exhausted are all words that firstly spring to mind. But living on the other side of the Santa fence has now also granted me the real meaning of happiness, of excitement and of true satisfaction.
Because buying presents has never been more fun, and all the preparation and sneaky planning has been an absolute delight.
Teaching my kids the meaning of charity, of giving, and of consideration, as we work our way through a variety of fundraising events and wishing trees, makes all the effort and hard work worthwhile.
Plus the excitement I used to feel as a child, I now feel for my children...they are busting with anticipation. And I can’t wait to see their faces on Christmas morning - not only when they open their own presents, but when they eagerly give out their own gifts (yes, I am genuinely gushing with pride at the finger-painted placemats for everyone).
So the real meaning of Christmas as a parent?
It’s no longer about what Christmas will bring to me, it is all about the Christmas that I create for others.
And if I get to have a cold beer in my hand while doing it... well, that is a truly magical Christmas for everyone.
A.J. Sutherland is a founding member of Germinal Press and the author of our new title, How To Be The Perfect Dad And Not F**K Things Up.
Comments
On Friday, December Dec 2012 Sarah said...
“Screw the economy - we're buying presents galore for our two wee boys. And why not? It only comes around once a year!”
On Saturday, December Dec 2012 KP said...
“Certainly can relate to your comment about being excited by Christmas for my youy son and daughter. They can't wait and because of that, neither can I.”
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