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It’s obvious that there’s numerous pros and cons to having kids. Most parents are (hopefully) in the camp that the pros far outweigh the cons, but the cons are out there. Being tired all the time, a lack of freedom to do what you want when you want, and just general random unfortunate hi-jinks that occur as a result of passing on your DNA. I endured something I’m now calling “Piss Disaster 2K17” a few days ago. No need to go into detail, it’s just one of the less than stellar things that come from being a parent.
Now again, the good far outweighs any drawback. You’ll never love someone or something like you love your child; the joy they bring to your life on a daily basis, even at their worst, even when they’re subjecting you to Piss Disaster 2K17, it’s all 100% the best. There’s no word count that can justify the great things being a parent brings to your life. Potentially the best and most purely joyful part about raising a small child might be Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate around this time of year, it’s 2017).
Christmas in general is just the best. It’s the ’96 Bulls of holidays, with less gambling (unless your family does Christmas in Vegas). Anyone reading this hopefully has the warmest and fondest memories of waking up in the morning racing downstairs to see what Santa brought you, joyful tearing opening wrapping paper as your parents sleepily sipped their coffee and watched a bearded imaginary fat man take credit for their purchases. Mix that in with all your holiday traditions around this time of year and it’s just wonderfully nostalgic.
Christmas in adulthood, with a family comprised of solely adults, is a bit different. It’s still great to see family, yeah. But it’s not quite the same with no munchkins sprinting around the house in an eggnog sugar high. Any excitement or wonder from adult Christmas comes from wondering if your brother can shake off his massive eggnog hangover on Christmas morning, or if that piece of jewelry you got your wife isn’t something she actually hates. As my siblings and I reached adulthood, Christmas somewhat lost it’s luster.
As the father of a four-year-old, Christmas is back and better than ever. There aren’t many things I’d trade from childhood to adulthood, but this year I think I much prefer Christmas as a parent versus Christmas as a child. The entire run up to the big day has been a complete joy. Now, I made things easy on myself because I’m a pro; most of my holiday shopping was wrapped up by Cyber Monday. You last minute shopping bums are an embarrassment. But even Christmas shopping as a parent is 100% better.
Spending the month hearing my kid blurt out the things he really hopes Santa brings, knowing they’re currently sitting in a shitty wrap job under the tree is a fantastic feeling. Sure I might be getting my hopes up that I’ll get the coveted “Dad this is the best Christmas ever, you’re the best dad ever, we will be best friends forever, and I promise me and my friends won’t raid your liquor cabinet when I’m in high school” once he tears open his favorite gifts, but I know I’m at least getting a big smile and hug that I literally can’t wait for.
Simply bringing Santa back has raised my holiday spirits immensely. It’s an undeniable bummer when it dawns on you that a bunch of elves didn’t build your N64 and that the reason your dad is so tired on Christmas morning is because the six sugar cookies you left out for Santa gave him the shakes and he didn’t sleep well. Now I know I’ll be up late on Christmas Eve putting together a new basketball hoop, but as far as my kid is concerned he’s been waiting over a month for that fat SOB to shoot down his chimney ready to sling gifts and inhale cookies. You can’t buy that kind of wondrous excitement. I’ve been feeding off my offspring’s energy all month and it’s made a ton of difference in my own holiday cheer.
However much you love Christmas, small kids love Christmas 100x more than you do. Not just for the presents (although I get asked on a daily basis when he can start opening them) but simply for the majestic nature of the season. You’ve never seen awe until you’ve seen a kid stare at Christmas lights or drink late night hot cocoa while watching a Christmas special on TV. I catch my kid simply staring at the lights & ornaments on our tree on a daily basis, just completely enraptured by the spirit of the season.
I’m not here saying go pop out a kid if you want to enjoy the holidays again. The holidays are still a special time for all, and sweet Jesus kids cost a fortune on Christmas and in general. All I’m saying is when there’s little ones still believing in every part of the allure of Christmas, the holidays are just a bit happier. Hug your loved ones, enjoy your holidays, and for God’s sake don’t over-serve grandma. .
Image via Unsplash
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Kyle Bandujo
The artist formerly known as Crash Davis. My kid doesn't think I'm funny.
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This was nice. Merry Christmas Kyle!
Side Note: little homie is definitely raiding the liquor cabinet when he’s in high school.
Wait…. IMAGINARY Fat Man?!? Are you saying Santa isn’t real?
This was heartwarming! Merry Christmas to you and your little man.
Wow.. I’m getting old. Merry Christmas.
My little homie isn’t old enough to “get it” yet, but she’s still in awe of the tree and lights. Inject that innocent joy right into my veins. Can’t wait until I can be a hero with presents.