I wanted to participate in the annual lighting of the Fayetteville Square, by attending the actual lighting ceremony.
I left work early on Friday, picked up the kids, they were NOT at all excited about this.
It was drizzling, traffic was heavy, and I just knew we were pushing our time on being there early.
Sure enough, traffic was slow moving, and any delay that could possibly happen for us, did…
We ended up finding parking, but had to walk 3 blocks up the hill to the square. On our way up the hill, the lights were turned on, and we missed it.. by the time we got to the top, the parade was just about to start, people were gathered, it was great to me. But, all I could hear was whining from all 4 of my lovely children.
They didn’t want to be there. They didn’t have the Christmas spirit, they were completely miserable. Allie was hungry, but the other 3 just wanted to go home.
I was about to cry at this moment, because it was something I wanted for us all to enjoy, take in the magic of the lights, the season, the togetherness of our community. The experience. It was so frustrating, but I didn’t let them get to me.
Instead, I said, let’s go get dinner at DamGoode Pies, and then we will come back to the square, get hot chocolate, walk around for a minute, get a family photo, then we will go home.
It worked out well, with minimal whining from then on.
I DID manage to get our family photo with smiles.. YES!
I call it a win, but with a little feeling of defeat, knowing they didn’t share the excitement, joy and happiness that I felt, and wanted to badly for them to have.
I’m all about traditions, memories, and holiday cheer.
I’m determined that we will be a cheerful family, and they will appreciate the simple things that life does bring.
All in a Day 