My son has been begging me to take him to see Santa all week. We didn’t quite make it to the North Pole like he wanted, but luckily Santa was visiting the mall down the street today, so I finally decided to take him. We waited for almost an hour, I guess that’s what I get for waiting until Christmas Eve to take him.
As we were sitting there in line, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. This was Logan’s first visit with Santa Claus and his dad wasn’t there to see it. I did order extra pictures so that he could have one, but it’s just not the same. He didn’t get to hear our son chattering away about the yo-yo and computer he is sure he is getting for Christmas. (Talk about some expensive taste!) He didn’t get to hear him tell Santa how good he has been this year or how he is going to leave him some extra cookies by the tree. We don’t get to share those things anymore.
This happens frequently as a single parent. Instead of experiencing all of the joys together, you do it individually. It can be hard not to have anyone to share those things with anymore. You see that excitement in their little eyes as they climb up onto Santa’s lap and you wish someone was there to share in the moment. There is just something magical about the holidays. It is an exciting time for any child. They are making memories that will last a lifetime. I wish more than anything that the memories didn’t have to be split between houses. Unfortunately, that is one of the harsh realities of being divorced. You no longer share the memories together. It’s up to you to make your own.
Tonight, I will be putting Christmas presents under the tree by myself. I will be filling stockings for Santa by myself. There will be no one there to share in the excitement and anticipation of Christmas morning, but that’s ok. I’m excited anyway!