Daylight is waning, the temperature is dropping and the snow is flying.
Tis the season of frenzied shopping, grouchy family gatherings and super duper kiddie concerts.
Theyre so excited to perform for you!!!!!
Heres how to transform brief misery into a lasting memory.
Youll turn your frown upside down and save yourself from awkward small talk with anyone in earshot.
Or try something more subtle, like a stress ball ormeditation.
This person will be overly excited (The kids have worked so hard!!!!)
so itll be easy to tune out the content of the message.
These are the rules of attendance!
Modeling good behavior will help keep the kids under control.
Dont hoot and holler when Junior appears.
Dont clap when youre not supposed to.
Be quiet, respectful and attentive.
Your kid read two sentences about the Mayflower while wearing a construction-paper hat.
He didnt win a Kia Soul onThe Price is Right.
Dont Pick Up Your Phone
I know how it is.
You want to check that Clark got back to you about that revision to the Power Point.
You probably look at it too much.
Take this opportunity for a 60-minute break from technology.
Wait, is that how long the jazz band has been swinging flat throughRockin Around the Christmas Tree?
How many verses are in this song?
Actually Watch
Not through a viewfinder or a screen.
If you want photos, take them after the performance.
Got a fancy camera?
Just use one lens.
Get arty on your own time.
Im glad someone happened to record theearnest cymbal playerand I wish Jack Hittsclassic This American Life storywas on YouTube.
But its unlikely that youll bear witness to a hilariously terrible performance.
Instead of, That was wonderful!
say, Ive never seen a more graceful dancing snowman!
The truth is, the kidsaresuper excited to perform for you.
For people who cant yet write in cursive, these should be counted as achievements.
If youre a praise sandwich parent,cut it out in general, but especially now.
Junior doesnt want to hear If youd projected more on the punchline, you wouldve gotten a bigger laugh.
He wants to bask in the afterglow of the stage lights.
Celebrate
My kids spent their early years in the South.
Im not talking about gas-station roses in a tube.
I mean beauty-pageant-winner bouquets.
This makes for a pretty post on Facebook, but most kids would prefer something else.
I suggest ice cream, donuts, fresh-baked cookies or whatever ordinarily forbidden sugary treat your kid loves best.
Because this is no ordinary day.
This is the day he (sort of) brought down the house in a very special performance.
Youll both remember it forever, so spring for extra sprinkles.
