Comments on: Thanksgiving weekend, holiday fun, etc.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:23:54 +0000

In reply to LN. @LN- oh dear, we were both there with unhappy troops together! Sounds like a good division of labor if you do not have the bandwidth for special projects. Having dealt with a number of program applications, I would say I probably prefer laundry...

By: LN

LN — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:28:49 +0000

We, too, spent Black Friday evening at Dutch Wonderland and was disappointed. We spent the rest of the weekend mostly at home decorating and online shopping. Although I would have liked to do one more family excursion, it was nice to have extra quiet time before the busy work week. I had recently renegotiated how to divide and conquer family responsibilities with my spouse. My new job is more mentally challenging. I asked husband if I could do more day-to-day – taking back over the laundry and dishes which are mindless while enjoying a podcast. He will now be the “special projects manager”. He had already been in charge of Catholic sacrament prep and helping our 14-year old apply to high schools. Now he will also be in charge of scheduling doctor’s appointments, vacations, and deciding if and how we will be celebrating an 8th grade graduation. The Dutch Wonderland debacle reminded me that my plans don’t always work out; he can’t do any worse. Maybe we’ll have the most fun 2024. Wish us luck!

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:32:11 +0000

In reply to Lori C.

@Lori C – I did have a panicked “I haven’t bought much yet!” feeling. Then I reminded myself that there are four weeks to Christmas. It will be fine.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:31:32 +0000

In reply to Yukun Wu. @Yukun - it's good to be in holiday mode for at least a few days! I hope you make it happen this year.

By: Laura Vanderkam

Laura Vanderkam — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 01:30:56 +0000

In reply to Jessica.

@Jessica – I’m a little nervous for sure, and definitely paying a lot of attention. It is far more relaxing to drive myself. But hey, I figure I can do a little talking. And he talks! So I listen (and make sure he’s watching the road, but like your son he’s a fairly cautious driver).

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:31:29 +0000

I am so impressed you could chat with your son while driving. It takes all my energy to stay calm and patient when I am with my teen driver (and he is a good driver!) I mean I guess I can chat about very very basic things or pretend that I am listening to him and say hmm at the right places. Something to improve on in 2024.

By: Yukun Wu

Yukun Wu — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 22:56:26 +0000

Yes, Ms. Laura Vanderkam, I can see that you are decorating for Christmas right now. I rarely decorate for Christmas in my residence – But my parents live in the same city as I do, and I think that they’ll ask me to help them decorate for Christmas in their residence.
I’m living in Canada right now, and Thanksgiving actually took place in October in Canada.
And no, Ms. Laura Vanderkam, I didn’t expect you to have a pain in the leg either.
I can see that it is the norm that while your children are doing their activities, you are also doing your activities.
I think that there is generally nothing special about this Christmas – except that in the last 3 years, I’ve remained in working mode in all Christmases. I was never in holiday mode in those Christmases. In this year’s Christmas, though, I think I can be in holiday mode again.

By: Lori C

Lori C — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:39:58 +0000

Sounds like an action packed weekend. Hope you are back to 100% soon, and I am going to try to channel your chill “there’s still a month left” energy…