We had most of my siblings and their kids with us over the holidays, and upon reflecting on our experiences I thought it might be fun for everyone to post their favorite (or worse) family holiday moments...
We didn't have any specific drama this year, but I did notice that ALL of my nieces and nephews (under the age of ~25 ) had to be entertained
electronically and constantly.. Cell phone, PDA, laptops, movies, video games, IM, Wii, etc.from the minute they woke up until going to bed, and then texting into the wee hours.
Most of the adult siblings (40+) were content to sit and talk, reliving past memories, catching up on the time we have spent apart, telling stories, joking, laughing, crying, and just enjoying each other's company. We played a little Rummikub, dominos, scrabble, but mostly just wrapped up in blankets and sat around the firepit talking until late in the evening. Everyone had a few drinks, no one got plastered, but we all had a lot of fun.
The younger crowd sprawled out like drones all over the house , texting, playing video games, fantasy football, etc... No one actually talked face to face.... just sat there addicted to electrons. Temperatures were in the high 60's, so we heated the pool for a week, but none of the kids really wanted to swim- because they would have to give up their precious devices for a few minutes... Suggested a group hike (rejected because cell coverage was in question) sightseeing (too boring) board games (do you have the electronic version?) Join us outside by the fire ( all you do is talk!) Eventually I just gave up and let them vegetate with their favorite devices.
Enjoyed having family over the holidays, but glad to be back to just the two of us. I feel like a curmudgeon today, and am strangely satisfied by it.
Linear Mode
