So today I had the opportunity, one might even say privilege, of going to see two hours of Christmas Music at one of the local universities. Why did I have this exciting afternoon engagement? Because my son's choir was one of the acts performing.
My son sang his heart out, as one of about 50 kids, for one song, and then he was off the stage not to be seen again. Parents could not leave the auditorium after the kids performed, instead needing to stay for the entire performance. Of course our choir was performance number two of eighteen songs.
So instead of watching football, wasting time on the internet, or doing something productive like getting packed for my upcoming trip, I listened to 17 college choirs, orchestras, jazz ensembles, and percussion groups, and one choir of middle school students. The talent was really good, the songs were all Christmasy and get people in the festive mood. My wife really enjoyed it. I would have liked to have gotten out my phone and read my book, but that would be impolite.
But these are the things one does as a parent. We give our time and energy to whatever the kids are interested in. Even when they don't really want to do it themselves beforehand, but love it when they are actually in the moment. Ungh!