Thinking of the kids at Christmas

by Angharad 31 Replies latest jw friends

  • Angharad
    Angharad

    Our two kids were so excited this morning going to school. This afternoon was the Christmas party. So they were all set with party clothes in a bag to change into and their assigned food/drink they had to bring. They have come home tonight with a little present each that Santa brought around the classrooms (Liam was laughing and came out saying 'It wasn?t the REAL Santa it was Mr Holt dressed up !, the real Santa must be too busy )

    Last week was the Christmas concert they had been practising for weeks and were so excited that we were going to see them - we definitely did the proud parents bit ! Liam's class did a song and dance from Mary Poppins and Dylan's from the Wizard of Oz followed by a nativity play. We had been hearing Dylan practising his classes song for weeks, ' Yiddle Donkey' according to Dylan speak !

    Its so great to see them enjoying this time of year, bringing cards home from their friends and taking them in, making little Christmas crafts to hang on the tree.

    I felt a bit sad this morning though when I saw a little boy in Liam's class that is a JW. I heard his mum arranging to pick him up early before the party. I felt so sorry for him because, I remember growing up going through school at this time of year and standing out as different and not joining in.

    ((((((Hugs to all the JW kids at this time of year ))))))))

  • Big Tex
    Big Tex

    Isn't it great being able to enjoy your children? I mean, there is no picking them before the play, no lonely little boy off by himself -- they are now free to have some fun. I'm so happy for them, and for you.

    We had been hearing Dylan practising his classes song for weeks, ' Yiddle Donkey' according to Dylan speak !

    Now that I've met y'all, I can actually hear him say this! Give them both a big howy from the Texas contingent.

    Chris

  • concerned mama
    concerned mama

    What a compassionate thing to say, Angharad. Somehow the life of a Jehovah's Witness seems so joyless.

  • Brummie
    Brummie
    ((((((Hugs to all the JW kids at this time of year ))))))))

    I agree, hugs to em. I know a little JW kid who got in trouble for secretly sending his mate a Christmas card, he snook it around the house and the kids mom accidently thanked the JW mother for it.

    Brummie

  • Simon
    Simon

    Yeah, I remember not being allowed to join in and it really sucks.

    It's *such* a sad thing for parents to do (even though they may be doing it with the best of intentions). Often, they have no real idea of what it's like because they weren't brought up "in the troof" and school was different back then.

    No offense intended to anyone.

  • Sassy
    Sassy

    I remember sitting in the principals office like I had done something wrong. All the people that would come through would look at me like I had been a bad kid. It was like I was being disciplined because my mother didn't allow me to celebrate Christmas. I always hated Christmas. And then after the first of the year and all the kids had two weeks of new clothes and I sat there in the same old thing. I was always depressed.

    I feel bad now because although my children (two oldest) haven't been around JW land since 95 and my youngest since 00, they did leave being around JWs while living with their dad and but did not start celebrating Christmas or other holidays. I feel like they are stuck in, "I don't believe in anything" land. My baby is 19, but they were all raised JWs and went through the same dysfunctional crap that we all did.

    I don't live near the kids and haven't seen them since leaving the JWs yet, but am anxious too, but I have spoken to them on the phone and they know that I am no longer a JW. I asked one of my children about his birthday this month, remember we each had one and told him I was celebrating for the first time, but a present would be on its way. He (my 24 yr old) said very practical and budget like, mom, I don't celebrate birthdays, don't send me one. I can't afford to buy my friends presents on their birthday. I was sad. Here we stole all that from him as a child and even though he never got baptised or stayed associating, we took away the importance and the joy of the celebrations. They don't want Christmas presents from me.. so I must admit, I'm sad.. I am hoping next year we can start all new. I plan to send the youngest a present on his birthday even if he doesn't celebrate himself, and followed by his oldest brother and then the middle son. And hopefully next December I'll be sending them all Christmas presents too. It is a whole new life for me, and hopefully I can find a way to give some of it back to them.. for the guilt of taking it from them hurts my heart..

    I think it is wonderful for those who are out early enough to give their children the pure joy and delight that can come with the holidays.. I'm so happy for all of you.

  • Dansk
    Dansk

    I envy you, Ang & Simon! I realise now what my own kids missed (although they say they don't recall missing anything! ).

    I'm so pleased for you all - REALLY pleased for you all. Have a GREAT CHRISTMAS!

    The Hinzes

  • SheilaM
    SheilaM

    When the kids were in grammar school the Mom's decided to have it be a winter party, very Christmasy LOL I told the kids they were big enough to make up their own minds. LOL I think Mel celebrated and Ant went to the library (sigh) I refused to have them sent to the office and told them that the library was more kid friendly.

  • mouthy
    mouthy

    I sit here crying my eyes out!!! Angie!!! How wonderful you have seen the light before you lose em!!My poor kids were brought up as JW-I saw some JW kids going door to door with mother & my heart is breaking- as you know my Melanie ( brought up as JW ) is dead.Yes she was free before she died but only 8 yrs. My Elder JW daughter & her kids are still there. I am SO HAPPY TO read of your kids happiness .. We need to pray for all those lost little people -if you dont pray!!! At least think on their loss. Yeah I am feeling sorry for myself....... I bet you were so proud at the concert!!!!! & the OLD mans passing his exam>>>> I would say your receiving blessings.....(((((HUGS)))

  • Princess
    Princess

    It does make me feel a bit sad. I went to the library, I've always been a reader. I didn't mind so much but I always felt a bit left out. Then the dreaded week after Christmas break when everyone is showing off their new clothes and toys. That sucked.

    It's fun watching the kids get so excited about Christmas and all the festivities surrounding. Tonight we go downtown Seattle to ride the holiday carousel with all the aunts, uncles, cousins and grandma and grandpa. A family tradition that is tons of fun!

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