Wednesday, November 30, 2011

How Much Is Too Much?

I had a strategy for Christmas this year: buy throughout the year so as not to stress or go bankrupt. When I saw different things on sale, I'd pick them up for Monster. The problem is, now I have a ton of presents for him and I'm wondering if it's too much.

The custody schedule is such that Monster will be going with the Ex at noon on Christmas Day so chances are good he won't even get to all of his presents before then. He still hasn't caught on to the whole present thing. He opens one and plays with it, ignoring all those still wrapped. I'm fine with that, don't get me wrong. I'm just wondering how it will go on Christmas morn.

What's an appropriate amount of gifts for a toddler? What's everyone else doing?

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Very Muppet Thanksgiving

When I was a kid, my parents alternated holidays with my brother and I. And since my dad's family is all out West, we always had a very casual and untraditional day with him. Thanksgiving meant we were at the movie theater. I loved it. It's one of my favorite childhood memories.

Then I became involved with a man who has two children whom he has every Thanksgiving. This meant that we always went to his parents' house. Don't get me wrong, the food was always delicious and we had a great time, but I did start to miss my own family's celebrations.

This year, however, Monster is with the Ex for Thanksgiving (I had him for Easter). My mom postponed our family's dinner until Friday which frees up my Thursday. I am honoring my father by heading to the cineplex and enjoying The Muppets.

I'm sure I will be a bit sad thinking of Monster being elsewhere but a Jason Segal-written Muppet movie will ease those blues for a few hours, at least. I love all things Muppets. From Fraggles to Ewoks, the Dark Crystal to Labrynth, Yoda to Cookie Monster; I still remember what it felt like as a kid to watch them. I feel the same way all these millions of years later.

This year, I'm not thinking of Thanksgiving as a tragic separation between my son and myself, but as a wonderful opportunity to relive a bit of my own childhood.

PLUS, I can pretend I'm in college again by getting extremely drunk on Wednesday night -- yet another delightful Thanksgiving tradition.