My 1st Christmas as a newly divorced dad. Very awkward. I woke up on Christmas day by myself. Not what I had imagined for myself at this stage in my life, but that was the reality. And now that I know that nothing trumps reality, I also know that I have to be 100% prepared for Christmas and every other holiday that comes along. This ain’t lip service. The stakes are high because little ones keep score.
Let me clarify before I get started. There is no one way to do Christmas, but you absolutely have to be prepared for whatever you do decide on.
I did pretty damn good if I do say so myself. My tree is spectacular (I have grown attached and I’m not bringing it down until it starts to dry up). I also succeeded with my big presents for the kids. They both love their presents. Santa brought cool presents, as well.
Here is where I need improvement:
1. More stocking stuffers. These should be easy, but I did not make the stockings appear full enough. I could tell the kids wanted more. A few more small, cool things would have really added to the moment. It would not have cost much more to do so. Note to self: Ask more questions about what they are interested in and stop the guessing game.
2. More presents. Don’t take this the wrong way. I do not believe I would be acting on my children’s behalf if I bought them too much, but like the stockings, I just needed more small stuff that they could unwrap. Note to self: It is the unwrapping that is so important.
3. More goodies. To be honest, I don’t know what the hell I mean by this. Maybe I’m just thinking about color…for the place to look more festive. I actually did a pretty good job at this, but Christmas needs more, more and more.
I’m loaded with ideas for the next go ’round. Done right, there is no competition with your ex. Done right and the whole experience is about the children.
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