Coming Home For Christmas Break

I can’t tell you with any hint of accuracy how many Hometown Views I have done over the years but it’s in the thousands. There are some which have generated a lot of response because they touched a nerve or were subjects which people could relate to and among them was one I did in 2004 right about this time of year. I was reminded of it by a woman I spoke with yesterday who said she has recounted part of what I said time and time again.

The segment was aimed at parents whose sons and daughters were coming home from college for their first extended trip since leaving in late August. Many of course might have been home for Thanksgiving but that was just a long weekend as opposed to the 2-3 weeks most would be at home for winter recess. What I found and many of you agreed was the children we sent away were often very different from the ones returning to the nest for what they called a vacation.

First thing we had to deal with were the strange hours they operated by which might remind you of vampires, more than college freshman. During that first winter break I remember getting up for work around 2:30 and usually finding my son was not home and if he was it was more likely he was watching TV or on the computer than sleeping. Speaking of sleeping….if it was an Olympic sport he might have been a gold medal contender. Noon or later was not unusual as the time to finally get out of bed and get on with the day.

What you had to realize quickly was they had changed quite a bit in those three months or so living on their own. They not only acted differently but even their appearance changed…it seemed like they had gotten older by years not months. As much as you love them you had moments when you wondered if this really was your child. After a couple of weeks of dealing with their lifestyle you were ready for them to return to school in which you would return to normal and live by these words….”out of sight, out of mind.”

Not that I’m any expert but if you are about to experience this phenomenon for the first time fasten your seat belt because it’s a roller coaster ride complete with loads of laundry. The good news…it does get better.