It is amazing to me that before the holidays my children could not be more filled with Christmas spirit. They are eager to make their gift list, bake cookies and even decorate the house.

Every year we put up the tree and there is a lot of “ohh, look at this one” and “remember when we got this one on vacation?”. We collect ornaments in our travels and each year we get the kids an ornament based on their big interests that year. Decorating the Christmas tree is a walk down memory lane for us.

However, as soon as the wrapping paper is discarded and the dinner is digested the Yule is no longer cool at our house. They all scatter like rats on a sinking ship.

Yesterday, as I was lamenting about needing help taking down the tree my son Michael sat down beside me. He looked and me and said “Mom, remember when we were little and we would get toys out? What did you always say to us?.

“Well I always said if you get something out you are responsible for putting it away.”

“Exactly and I do believe you are the one that got the tree out.”

He made a hasty retreat and left me to ponder whether or not I was glad he had been listening to me all those years ago. When your kids use your own logic against you it’s a mixed blessing.

His quick wit is not going to get him out of helping take down the tree but it did give me something to smile about on an otherwise dreary Sunday afternoon.