The Passing of Time: In a Six-Year-Old’s World
This was the first year Kai was interested in celebrating New Year’s Eve outside our home. One thing I love about kid-centered spaces is the inclusion of Noon Years Eve events. Although he was a little unsure about pausing the fun we were having at home, we headed to one of his favorite indoor play places. Let us all step into the memory of this special moment together.
It was busy, as expected. But he was over the moon to see a classmate was there playing. This year’s favorite Christmas present was a watch. Every two minutes or so for the last week, we’ve heard the time announced clearly. A New Year’s Eve countdown is this watch lover’s dream moment. We’ve never pretended to hit the game-winning home run. But announcing the moment that the minute changed from one to another is easily more satisfying to this child.
He had been off having fun for about an hour when the lights went down and the party music went up. Out comes a dragon with sound makers and a lollipop for everyone. If you can’t imagine the noise, picture being trapped in a small cave with 100 angry ducks. It was glorious. Then the dragon and mob of children on a sugar high all migrated to an even smaller space, the dance room. Strobe lights flashing, disco ball spinning, not a single inhibition in sight. And then, like the dancing dragon was reading all the minds around him, the first few notes of Golden began to ring out. It was a screaming declaration of love for this one symbol of exceptional good that they had all lived through together in 2025. There is no more perfect moment then the one they are in at this very second.
But then the music transitions to KIDZ BOP version of Dance the Night. The joy keeps bouncing around me, but I start to worry that the number 12 already glowing on the tiny new watch might knock everything off balance. At the door of the dance room a manager pops his head in. With no explanation he yells “10!” and we all follow suit as we count down as loud as these small lungs will allow. Smiling into each other’s faces as we yell, we reach one and then all go our different paths. Some yell “Happy New Year!” Others blow their noise maker. I hug my confused but happy child. And following a bit of cathartic cheering, he asks one simple question. “Where’s the ball that fell?”
Expectations are one of life’s hardest minefields. We often don’t know we have them until they’ve been unfulfilled. Thankfully my fellow reveler recovered quickly and enjoyed himself regardless of any lack of sparkly descent. I, however, had spent many years feeling like I was doing NYE wrong. I never had that magical romatic moment as the countdown celebrated my surprise incoming declaration of love. But years of learning, healing, love and support have helped me grow into this person I didn’t realize I had become. This person was able to give herself completely to the moment and see only the joy of celebrating surrounded by the newest round of human recruits. Not a single consideration had passed through my mind of where I would rather be. Parenting did this for me. I did this for me. Daniel did this for me. I’m glad I’m here.
