I imagine from the countless local news stories I watched about the sheer number of travelers over the holidays, that quite a few families are in the same boat as we were and must travel to some extent to celebrate. We visited my in-laws after enjoying time with my family for Christmas this year. We left the day after Christmas and enjoyed quality time, great food, and a few more presents. I want to say that the kids were absolute champs on the 7+ hour car ride. Thank goodness for books, our story box (we have the Tonies brand), holiday-themed coloring books, and (for these special long drives)—the tablets. When the kids were babies, especially Tucker, they hated being in the car for long periods. The first trip we ever made with him is burned in my memory as one of the worst drives in my life. He screamed, and I mean the screaming cry that makes your ears ring and muscles tense, the entire trip. It didn’t matter what we did, the only thing to stop the crying was to pull over and hold him. That makes for a longer day of driving when you have continuous stops. Don’t get me wrong, I understand and empathize. I don’t want to be in the car for over 7 hours and I’m not stuck in a car seat, so I can imagine how uncomfortable the little munchkins are. Thinking back on those times and how both of my kids are now potty trained, eating real food, and having full conversations with us just had me thinking about time and how quickly it passes.

As I sat in the living room watching everyone open gifts, including my niece and nephew who are now 14 and 16 years old, I started thinking about the first Christmas I spent with the family. I remember just how tiny my niece was—she was right in between the age Tucker and Ella are now. She wanted me to play and read to her just as my little ones now do. In some ways, it seems like a lifetime ago. Scott and I weren’t married yet. I owned a decorating business and motherhood seemed a long way off. I remember my brother-in-law and sister-in-law’s challenges with bathtime and bedtime. The struggle to keep the kids seated at the table during Christmas dinner. I remember it all so clearly, but maybe that is because we are in it right now. We struggle to find the balance between letting the kids stay up a little bit later because it’s special family time and knowing the real challenge will be the next day when they are exhausted. We struggle to limit the holiday snacks, so they don’t ruin their dinner. But my goodness with the struggles comes added joy. I wonder if as I sat there watching my niece open the crossbody bag and Taylor Swift swag, my sister-in-law was longingly reminiscent of her kids as 2 and 4-year-olds opening exciting toys…and then even more toys. Both of us thinking of the passing of time and how quickly it all seems to change. From my nephew opening countless Legos 9 years ago, to now driving himself to the house and asking for a workout bench. I watched with an internal smile plastered on my heart, knowing that even though time passes with a vengeance these days, the joy of being together is still wrapped around us.

I know someday I’ll be watching my teenagers open their more grown-up gifts. With that age will come new and different challenges. But I hope I can just as easily recall their sweet faces that opened a doctor's kit and kinetic sand this year as I can that first Christmas with my niece and nephew. As I lean into my word of the year, simplify, I am reminded to cherish the memories but to enjoy the here and now—what a gift today is.

As I think about time and how important it is to carve out quality time with the family and friends we love, I feel compelled to end this week’s post with a short poem by Robert Frost. Just a reminder to make the time shared a priority because although we can’t slow it down, we can make the most of it.

Have a wonderful weekend, and as always, happy reading!

A Time to Talk - Robert Frost

When a friend calls to me from the road

And slows his horse to a meaning walk,

I don’t stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven’t hoed,

And shout from where I am, What is it?

No, not as there is a time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,

Blade-end up and five feet tall,

And plod: I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.