I asked my in-laws who have kids with similar ages and live close by if we could start a holiday tradition for the littles. They thought it was a great idea and suggested ice skating at Embarcadero with special treats.
Sweet gesture, but my kids are 2 & 4, so this sounds frighteningly dangerous. Spending $60+ per family, eating nutritionally void food, and sharing our special moments with 100s of strangers sounds like THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what I had in mind. Is it possible they suggested it because they know me and know I would hate it and really don't want to get together? Or is this a normal suggestion?
Why do holidays have to include spending money and eating crap? AHHHHH.
My idea: A Present Fell Off Of Santa's Sleigh! Let's find it in the wilderness! Bring your navigation skills, your compass, your binoculars, practice your maps reading skills and we will look for clues along the way! (At the end of the scavenger hunt will be a wrapped box full of a picnic lunch. Maybe some books.)
I know when I propose this idea, they will roll their eyes and think it is too much work and worry if their kids will have fun.
Is there anything kids like more than running in open space and playing with rocks and sticks??
Thanks so much for letting me vent. I can't vent to my husband because, although he agrees with me 100%, it is his family and I can't say anything negative or we'll start arguing.