Small Sprog has completed his Christmas shopping; in like a ninja and out like a Bargain Hunter on the first day of The Sales. He loves it, shopping with purpose, thinking of what people might like, making decisions. He is generous to a fault, he was born that way, I think I may have mentioned it before.
As we pottered around the gift shop he found the perfect little cream jug for Granny, and something appropriate for Lovely Man. As we browsed further he found a pair of socks that were black with white words saying 'Bah Humbug'. "These would be good for Dad" he giggled.
"You don't think it will offend him?" I ask. Small Sprog looks at me
"Do you think he will be?"
"I'm not sure"
"I'm going to buy them anyway" he decides. Very apt really, I think to myself...
This year Ex is having the children the day after Boxing Day for a week, however he has already told them he's not going to bother with a tree. When Tall Girl told me this it made me sad. When he picks them up and takes them home on 27th surely that will be their Christmas with him? He can make it special and they will still have presents to open (though they may not be surprises as he's not great at buying presents). And as well as feeling sad I feel miffed. If he's not going to have fun with them then why have them at all? I'd really like to spend more time with my children over the holidays as we finish school so late this year.
Recently I have had the feeling that they are more reluctant to visit him, just a little, it is barely perceivable, they are far too loyal to say they don't want to go. Yet I've picked up on bits of conversation; "we won't be doing much this weekend. Daddy watches sport on the TV all day" those sorts of things.
I have come to the conclusion that he has forgotten to cherish them. So many reasons why I left him; a leopard never changes his spots...
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in suburbia, and it's feeling good.
8 comments:
I think you were quite right to leave your poor depressive ex.
I do hope he makes a bit of effort for the children.
Like Sprog's sock purchase!
Funny about the socks! Turned out to be very apt.
Some children make it clear that they don't want to make the visit to the *estranged* parent at all ..... but they still have to go.... once a week. (So far.)
I have to get a move on with Christmas.
Like your blog page backdrop.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Nothing wrong with socks as a gift for a man. You've also reminded me that I have a black Santa hat somewhere with Bah Humbug written on it. Now, where is that hat...
Am loving small sprog, my kids have no interest in buying presents for other family members! He sounds very caring x
As you say, if he's not going to have fun with them, why have them at all? You'd think he'd make a bit of an effort to appreciate his kids and give them an enjoyable Christmas, even if he doesn't care much about Christmas himself.
There's no doubt in my mind that you're much better off with Lovely Man!
Heartwarming, humourous, with a touch of sad. More than a touch, actually.
And Sprog is such a character! I hope the holidays work well for him and his sister.
Four year ago that you met Lovely Man. Time flies!
Christmas blessings, and Bear hugs (from the hibernating Bear).
Perhaps I could hire Small Sprog to be my personal shopper for Christmas; he sounds like he knows just what to get everyone--the socks seem very appropriate!
I hope the week with their dad turns out better than expected; the children deserve it.
Wishing you and Lovely Man a very Merry Christmas!
a lovely man, a lovely home and lovely kids...and YOU cherish them..that they know..
xxxx
saz
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