Reflections on Being a Divorced Kid at Christmas

Don't worry- this isn't depressing. I've long since gotten over the self pity and anger of being a divorced kid. In fact, I think that growing up divorced has given me the ability to take the presence and/or absence of loved ones in stride.

Let me explain.

I was never with my mom on Christmas Eve and never with my dad on Christmas Day. There was always somebody missing who I wished was there. Nope- this still isn't self pity. Because who wants to sit around feeling gloomy on Christmas? So, you just get over it- enjoy the holiday with who is there and pretty quickly come to the realization that there's no such thing as a perfect holiday and you don't always get everybody you want to be with all at the same time. And that's ok.

So, would I prefer to be with Eduardo on Christmas? Sure. But it's not the end of the world. We had a Christmas celebration before he left and we talked both Christmas Eve and Day.

And do I miss my brother and wish he would have been noshing on Norwegian meatballs and lefse with us on Christmas Eve? Hell yes. But, life isn't always just the way you want it.

Apparently there is/was a rumor going around Linden Hills among some friends of my brother that my whole family was sitting around on Christmas Eve sad and weeping, unable to enjoy Christmas because we missed David. Those rumor-spreaders obviously don't realize what it's like to be part of a blended family- every person at our holiday celebration knows that there's always going to be somebody missing.

Of course we love David and miss David and look forward to the Christmases we can be together again. But, his absence doesn't mean we won't eat delicious food; tell stories about my late Grandpa and his goofy stocking-stuffers; watch Johan try to figure out his new gravel yard boulder smasher toy; laugh at the dog in his new blanket with sleeves; laugh some more; and otherwise enjoy our time together.

In fact, that's just what we did. So lay those rumors to rest, Linden Hills gossipy youth. Divorced kids got the skillz.