The Balanced Father

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to those dads who celebrate this time of the year. This time of the year can be full of joy, excitement, family time and laughs. Some dads out there aren’t as fortunate sadly. This can be a very taxing time on you mentally and physically, with the cost of gifts and trying to make sure your kids Christmas dreams are fulfilled. No matter the situation you will get through it and you aren’t alone during the holidays hiding behind a smile with worry of financial struggle. Growing up we didn’t have a lot but my dad made it work, he worked a lot of overtime to make sure whatever we had on the Christmas list was opened on Christmas morning. 90% of the time he was experiencing it with us and didn’t know what my mom had got us, so he was there first hand with excitement and just as excited as we were. My father his whole life and still till this day works shift work which includes nightshifts as do I now. We had 4am gift openings before he went to work but he was there with one eye open, his infamous robe on with a coffee in hand. We waited until he got home from a nightshift working all night in the freezing cold. He was there, showed up and that’s what matters. Be present and take in the moment no matter what you had to sacrifice to be there, there is a silver lining in everything you just have to be in a good mindset to find it. I am working my sons first Christmas, does it suck, yes it does. Obviously he isn’t old enough to understand but to me I’m in a mental battle with being away from my family during the holidays but it’s the sacrifice I have to make to provide for my family. I will be present every second I am at home during this time of the year. Dads just be there, don’t give up hope that things aren’t going to turn around, find the silver lining in the small things during this time of the year. You got this, and remember you aren’t alone, don’t give up on yourself. It’s ok to be not ok. We are here for you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

-S