When you wish upon a star… January 27, 2011

This Christmas we decided to surprise our kids with a vacation, a Disney Cruise to be exact. We thought it would be a huge hit – tears of joys, squeals of delight, hugs so hard it made our ribs hurt. I bought a Disney board game, sliced upon the plastic wrap with a knife, and carefully lifted the lid in order to keep the game looking untouched and still packaged. I made up little signs on the computer and taped them onto Mickey’s ears, and stuck the trip confirmation email on the inside of the box lid. We would save it as their last gift and video tape the whole thing. It was going to be just like those commercials where the kids get hysterical when they realize they are on their way to see Mickey and the gang.

Unfortunately, when I was picturing the scenario in my head, I didn’t account for the fact that the trip was a month away and essentially their “big present” was a board game with a piece of paper with a picture of a boat tucked into it.

Not to say that they weren’t grateful. They asked “really”? They said “wow, great”. (in a fairly flat, non-too-excited tone I might add). In the end, the wheel of fortune game was more exciting than the promise of a trip lurking in their future. Even when grandparents or their big sister has asked them about it, they give a matter of fact reply. Not overly excited, and certainly not the kids on the Disney commercials. That will teach me for buying into advertising. (“Book a trip and your kids will be this happy, love you this much, your life can be just like those people on TV”).

I’ve ploughed along this January, preparing for our trip at the end of the month. Packing bags, purchasing the required cruise wear for my family, booking the little extras, getting our snorkel gear rounded up. I have little flutters of excitement, but I’m on my own in terms of giddy anticipation. It’s just been too far out for anyone besides me to be thinking (or obsessing) about the details.

But, now we’re in countdown mode. This is the week we head off for vacation and the “commercial reaction” I was looking for with my kids on Christmas morning has arrived. They are going nuts. Counting down the days, packing up their little carry-on bags, bouncing on the beds…wild anticipation has entered the building.

Since this is a family vacation, I’ve been banned from the laptop. No writing, no blogging, not even any email checking. Although part of me resists, a big part of me appreciates the direction to relax and be fully engaged in the experience. It’s so easy to get lost in this virtual world instead of living the one out there.

Can you relate? Hello, can anyone relate?