There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than right here in RVA! As I talked about Richmond to a mom I recently met who just moved here from Tampa, it occurred to me, it’s all brand new to this woman. She hadn’t even heard of the tacky light tour – imagine! “Be sure to pick up our December issue,” I bragged. “We have a feature story on three of the light tour families!” “Should we go to the Christmas Parade?” she wondered aloud. “Oh, yes!And the Mechanicsville version is all sorts of fun too!” I told her. Lewis Ginter’s GardenFest of Lights, Court End Christmas, RVA on Ice? Yes! Yes! Yes! And don’t miss a stroll through The Jefferson, Maymont’s Mansion Tours, The Nutcracker, oh the list goes on and on! “When Christmas wraps up, plan to come to Noon Year’s Eve at the Science Museum, then head to the Coliseum to ring in the New Year with the Harlem Globetrotters!” My heavens, I’m a one-woman billboard for all-things Christmas in Richmond.Where’s my pink Santa hat?!
Speaking of Santa, a friend recently provided me with a profound aha! Moment – about gifts in particular. When it comes to presents, does the holiday season lack some of the magic of the days of yore? Well, this wise friend reminded me that back in our day (prehistoric times), kids typically got gifts twice a year – on our birthdays (and that was ONE gift, maybe, maaaaaybe two) and at Christmas. Now, we shower our kids with birthday gifts, Easter gifts, Halloween gifts, you-lost- your-first-tooth gifts, good-grade gifts, sorry-you-have-the-sniffles gifts. The list is endless! Back in the good old days, we circled our dream gifts in the Sears catalog and then waited, and waited, and waited for Christmas morning to come so we could see what Santa brought us. There just seems to be something missing from Christmas morning when the presents come at the drop of a hat rather than just twice a year, don’t you think?
Anyway, one present I am going to give my family this year is my presence. Nothing makes my kids happier than the moment each day when I close my laptop and give them my undivided attention. Somehow, I’m going to find a way to unplug, unwind, and focus all of my attention on my family and the wonders of this holiday season. Try it with me! Let’s meet at Court End Christmas (see the calendar for details) – and I won’t even “check in.” That’s a promise!
No matter what you’re celebrating this season, enjoy every moment, and enjoy this issue of RFM!
