The Pursuit of Happiness

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that my middle, who'll be turning seven the week before Christmas, is fairly certain that all of the wonderful extras that happen about now are more or less especially for his birthday. I've no intention of telling him otherwise because it brings him great joy, and honestly may we all feel so celebrated, and so confident in our worth.

The way everyone decorates their homes with lights and garlands? The music that only gets played for a month? The drive through light show? The special seasonal events? Yeah, that's for me.

I don't worry about it being a problem because he absolutely loves sharing what he loves with the people he loves. On our way to see the fancy silk lantern sculptures at the zoo, he mourned that we hadn't brought his little brother with us (I didn't feel like keeping track of a three year old in the dark and left him with daddy). He doesn't feel less special that everyone gets presents so close to his birthday - that improves it for him. He wants everyone together, all the time, having a fabulous time. He's my best and most sincerely thoughtful party planner, and his delight in collecting extends to having his people sharing space and experiences.

My oldest, on the other hand, has the only bedroom with a locking doorknob, because sometimes she just needs space. Since she's had to share so many firsts with her brother, I decided that her first movie theater experience should be just for her. We took separate vehicles to church and afterward I took her with me, leaving the boys behind. When I handed her the lunch I'd packed for her, she tilted her head. "What else are we doing?" she asked sagely.

She had a blast. We got a massive cherry Icee to share, had first pick of the seats, and when she handed the ticket checker her ticket and said it was her first time at a movie, he looked to see what movie we were seeing and found a poster of it for her. She only leaned over once to whisper, and it was "I have no idea what time of day it is outside!" Encanto was enchanting, and honestly a perfect first for her. She's been industriously memorizing the songs since.

The kids got chocolate advent calendars from Trader Joe's - I've got tea and caramels

The things about wonder is that, yes, it is easier to find this time of year - but also, the pursuit of it can require some effort. Watching the weather for the perfect evening to go to an outdoor event. Coordinating so that each experience can be appreciated by those who'll enjoy it most. Making sure that everyone gets what they need, whether that's peace and quiet or glitter and revelry, and that no one gets sacrificed on the altar of tradition.

Last week was full of going and doing, and this week we're embracing the joys of being at home. Resting, crafting, waiting for packages, and living our everyday life with a little extra glitter on top.

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