Humbug

My kids and I read A Christmas Carol out loud each year during the Advent season. We take turns and we read in (bad) British accents. The problem is that my girls are now ages 10 and 14, and, you guessed it, this tradition is too lame for them. Even homework takes precedent over our annual reading. What's up with that? What’s killing me is that this is such a relational thing for us to do that it seemingly fits in so well with Advent Conspiracy (plus, I love to hear my kids read and I like to try to read in my decidedly cockney accent).

I love reading the opening line, "Marley was dead . . ." I love the cutting exchanges early in the book between Scrooge and his nephew, and Scrooge and the men seeking a charitable gift. I love the prayer over the Cratchit dinner when Bob has to chastise his wife and children when they don't wish to pray from Scrooge himself. And, of course, I love the ending when Scrooge turns towards the light, becomes a generous giver to Bob Cratchit, and makes merry himself with family and friends.

Despite this, I’m going to let go of this tradition. Why? Because holding on it is stressful for my kids, who don’t want to do it anymore, and disappointing and irritating to me, when the kids’ lack of enthusiasm is palpable. So, following the Advent Conspiracy directive of give more, I’m going to give my kids a break.  In a sense, this will be a relational gift from me to them-the gift of a break from an old ritual that they don’t enjoy anymore, and hopefully the gift of time for a different holiday ritual that we all enjoy.

After they are in bed, however, I might secretly read to myself in my Liza Doolittle voice.

Blimey.