Grinch-dad's holiday message to parents
 

We run through life, oblivious to the joy around us, choosing only to recognize it at Hallmark sanctioned events – Graduations, Birthdays, and of course, Christmas. One of life’s truths is that the best times rarely happen when they are supposed to.

My favorite times with my kids are always unscripted - running around the couch making race-car sounds while the Beastie Boys thump in the background; a water-balloon ambush after a Wednesday afternoon commute; riding the ferry on the way to our vacation destination.

I urge you all to ignore the holiday splendor that you are “supposed” to feel this time of year. Focus instead on the everyday joys of being a parent.

"Either all days are holy, or none are. I haven't figured out which yet." - paraphrased (horribly I'm sure) from Terry Pratchett's Feet of Clay

I think that says it rather nicely.

That is just how I live my life Clavus... It used to piss my wife (then girlfriend) off that I wouldn't go "all out" for Valentine's Day... But when I would show up with flowers or take her to dinner, just because, she would love it.

I just resent(ed) being told when I should be having a "Kodak moment".

I am the same way with my kids.

Well my child is spoiled year round, both with attention and gifts. She knows that as long as she behaves she gets whatever she asks for, be it a hug or some toy/gadget. It amazes me how often she just comes around looking for a hug or a kiss throughout the day. I do make her wait for big gifts. Anything over a hundred bucks or so must be a birthday or holiday gift. BTW wife gets same treatment although her must wait for holiday limit is closer to a grand.