Elf has made his yearly appearance, but this year, he seems just to be hanging out in the living room.
“I know it’s you and mom!” the Boy explained last year. And the year before that.
“But still, it’s fun, isn’t it?”
But this year, there it sits. Not moving. Not hiding.
Another sign that everyone is growing up. The traditions of Christmas slowly fall away. The Girl used to write a letter to Santa and leave out a snack. I can’t remember the last time she did that. The Boy searched for Elf. I can remember the last time he did that, but it seems to be just that — the last time.
Should we resist this? Should we try to cling to these things even after the kids have outgrown them? I think not. It’s time to move on, to grow up, to pick up new traditions.