What I Want For Christmas

Every so often, I write a column for a local Mothers of Preschoolers Organization. This is the latest one. Do any of y'all also have 'memorable marks' on your dining room table?

How has your holiday shopping been going? Now that my kids are both in college, their Christmas lists are very short, and very easy to fulfill. They want money.

 Back when the kids were smaller, however, things were far different.  The things they wanted for Christmas depended largely on what was on TV, and what their friends had. My husband and I used to have a 'Christmas date' at the beginning of November. That evening, we'd take care of the Christmas shopping, then carefully hide it all in the attic over our garage. I still remember staring up at the garage ceiling with the greatest sense of accomplishment.  It's nice when you know the gifts you're giving are going to be received with huge smiles.

This past weekend, both kids asked me what I wanted for Christmas. When I told them my 'Christmas list', they groaned. It's not very fancy or exciting, but I will enjoy my 'gifts' with a big smile, too. Want to know what I asked for? Maybe some of you moms can relate to it… I asked to spend time with them.

See, I want a couple of Sunday dinners back at our dining room table-the table with the big scratch across from it from one child sliding a casserole dish to the other instead of picking it up. Our table still looks pretty, but if you look closely at it, you'll be able to notice that the chairs have a couple of nicks from too-short legs kicking them.  There's a couple of stains on the cushions, and a nick on one of the legs of the table-back when the kids used to sneak broccoli to our beagle and she got a little anxious. Though I didn't think it at the time, those moments were gifts to me. They provided memories that will linger for a very long time, maybe even until my children have children of their own.

  What 'gifts' have your children given you this year? Maybe it's a scrape or a nick on your dining room table, too. Maybe it's a couple of peaceful dinners. Maybe it's the way your daughter says a prayer, or the way your son tells you about a new pet at school.  

  The memories from those dinners  have lasted longer than any cookbook, candle, or bottle of bubble bath that I've ever received. Every so often, I'll pass our scarred table or pat a scratch with a nostalgic smile.

  So, this Christmas season, I hope you get everything on your list-plus a few memories you didn't ask for. But most of all, I hope you get to share at least a few meals with the people you love. And try not to be too upset when that casserole dish makes that scrape. I promise, one day you'll remember that moment with a smile.

   With blessings,

   Shelley