Our little Awsumb has always been precocious. When he was very small and we went out to
dinner he would get really upset if the service staff would not address him
directly. He liked to order for himself.
One night while we were dining out he placed his order then added, “Don’t
forget the parsley!” He had noticed that
when we go out, besides having someone else to serve us a cold drink and no
dishes to clean up, that it was the little things that made it special. Even a small garnish like parsley was an
important part of the experience for him. And it was that small thing that he cared
about and didn’t want to miss out on.
I have since realized that in a child’s eyes, it’s the
little things that matter. And sometimes when you remember the little things,
they don’t even care about the big things. This is why the large cardboard box
that comes with a new toy, bed or whatever might be more exciting to them than
the thing we spent money and time selecting for them.
This is the time of year that I sometimes hear people worry
that they can’t do enough for their children for Christmas. Of course our challenge is trying to make
sure our son doesn’t take things for granted.
As an only child he often gets
things other kids in bigger families might not.
And although Awsumb has all that he wants and more, there are still
things he asks for like and iPad, which he is NOT going to get. Awsumb has brought up the idea of getting an iPad
a few times recently. And we have strictly
told him this is just not going to happen.
This weekend we put up our Christmas tree and the next morning
Awsumb crawled in my bed to cuddle with me. He said, “Ya know, even if we don’t get
anything for Christmas we have such a beautiful tree. And Auntie and Uncle are coming to stay with
us. We’ll all be together and Christmas
will be so wonderful.” He then paused
and said, “As long as we get some chocolate!”
Apparently chocolate is very important to making Christmas special. “At least a little piece.”
Just a great reminder that it’s the little things that make memories
and make celebrations and holidays special. Just like that small garnish of parsley,
having a simple treat like chocolate, spending time with family and all those
small, simple things are what our children will grow up and remember. Take the time to make the little memories with
your children. For, it’s these little
things that will help them remember that someone loves them.
So this Christmas don’t forget the parsley, and some
chocolate, at least a little piece!
