Here is how it started. I am exploring a path to healthier eating and living for me and my kids. We are eliminating sugar, focusing on healthy foods and beating the vending machines. I am happy, the children are happy, and we feel like we are doing something special together.
Granny, the contrarian, asks, "So what are you going to do for Easter?" Innocuous question, right? Perhaps a good one as I hadn't thought of it myself. Light bulbs go on.
"What if I make special home-made treats: old-fashioned carmel apples, chocolate-dipped strawberries & more? Wouldn't that create memories of a life time?"
After a day of thought, I start my experiments, running a batch of Stevia-based meringues. (Stevia tastes horrible, I decided! I think I'll stick to sugar the next time.) I share some ideas with Granny.
"Well, as long as your kids don't interact with others."
"Hmmm... Actually they do, daily. What's your point? That their treats are not as special?"
"They are not APPROPRIATE for Easter."
In my mind, I am imagining a naked easter bunny with a hanging wiener... Inappropriate???
I patiently explain the uniqueness and appeal of my idea, the lesson it teaches the children, the memories it creates.
"I am just used to things that can spend a whole day in the easter basket in the hot sun - your ideas wouldn't work."
Good point - everything I thought of was perishable and should not go outside. Clearly, I need to do more thinking. But I know, that's just an excuse - I haven't heard the true objection yet.
And here it comes: "I am sad that I won't be able to do anything for these kids for Easter."
"Oh, is that the problem? Well, it's easy! Easter is such a versatile holiday! There are the eggs, the hunt, the gifts, the items placed in the eggs, the special family moments!"
You can probably guess what happened next. Turns out, Easter is not about any of those things - it's about the baskets full of sugar - and I just
CANCELLED EASTER
The sad thing is, my mother-in-law is not alone. Is Thanksgiving about family or turkey? Is 4th of July about hot dogs or camaraderie? Is Easter about sugar or celebration of spring?
I would like for all of these things to be about the special experiences, some common with others, some unique to our family. Many will capture the memories of meals, treats, special food. But I don't want my kids to think it's the food that can make them happy...
Truth is, having candy on Easter is not a big deal by itself. I simply wanted to try a different approach, see if I can make it unique and special while showing the children how wonderful that can be... That they don't have to associate happiness on this occasion with the same things everyone else does - that they can carve out their own path. I sure am having a hard time with that path today.
Knowing, there are people who read my blog, who know how I feel and who undoubtedly deal with similar situations daily makes me feel their virtual presences on this lonely path... Thanks, guys, for being there! Finishing this entry, I feel like I can face my day again. Soon school will be out and I'll have my kids by my side, delighting me and reminding what this is all about...
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