"I remember growing up, it always seemed like my dad could not be bothered to participate in Christmas fun. My mom took my sister and me to special holiday markets and tea parties and helped us make handmade ornaments. We'd drive through Christmas light installations and traverse the mall with our grandparents. We knew Mom picked out all our gifts (except the ones from Santa, of course)."
"She recounts an example of her own dad raining on the Christmas morning parade when he opened a package of golf balls her mom had gotten him as a gift from the kids. They weren't his preferred brand, and instead of playing it off and saying thank you, he turned to his wife and said, "These are wrong." She was little, but the fact that her dad wasn't happy still registered for her - a bit of a crack in the magic."
Children notice and remember which parent created holiday magic and which parent complained, refused to participate, or openly disliked seasonal activities. Dads who begrudgingly accompany families to events like pumpkin patches or photo sessions can leave a lasting negative impression by voicing displeasure. A common example involves a father criticizing a child's gift of golf balls, which reduced wonder and introduced a crack in holiday magic for the child. Such moments register emotionally and shape recollections of family celebrations. Reactions from others often emphasize how a parent's attitude can quickly ruin a festive atmosphere.
Read at Scary Mommy
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