My Parents and The 12 Days of RV Christmas
Updated: Aug 3, 2020
Perhaps it was because we lived in San Francisco/Oakland at the height of the hippie movement in the 60’s, but now that I am an adult, I realize my parents had a different way of thinking than most friends parents.
I complained about them incessantly as most kids do and gave my mother more hell that she ever deserved, but even on the worst day, I felt absolutely accepted and loved. Creativity was strongly encouraged, reading was mandatory and good spelling/proper grammar duly rewarded.
And my parents knew no strangers. Anyone from every walk of life was befriended. There was a steady stream of various characters in my life until I left home at 18. It was a wonderful lesson in acceptance non-judgment.
During high school, my parents volunteered with the local fire department as Advanced EMTs. EVERYONE in town knew them so I could get away with absolutely nothing. It was a teenagers nightmare and to make matters worse, much to my angsty teenage chagrin, my friends absolutely adored them.
Ultimately, through it all, I knew they had no interest in whether I became a rocket scientist, a famous actor, or a housewife, they only wanted me to be happy at whatever I chose. They have supported me in everything I have done and my decision to quit my job and travel full time is no exception.
People often ask me how my parents feel about my plans. I tell them they are 100% supportive and encouraging. As an example, I share this story.
Just before Christmas 2015, my parents knocked it out of the park, as they often do. This isn’t the first time they have surprised me with something fun, creative, and out of the box, but this one was special.
Each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas I had a gift to unwrap and an audio to listen to after I opened it. The final picture is an audio file with the 12th day summary of The 12 Days of RV/nomad Christmas, personalized for me, from the hearts and minds of my incredible parents.
A box arrives with presents numbered with dates.
Day One – The flashlight they wanted was out of stock until mid-January so they bought this small one until it’s available
Because you must have a level or 4
There will be measuring!
Fantastic little hammer. Heavy and sturdy but not awkward for me like a larger hammer. I LOVE this.
TOOLS! I can tear things apart and put them back together if I want to! Everyone should be sufficiently afraid.
I have never owned one of these. Really. Never.
These belonged to my paternal Grandfather. Don’t call them old, they just have character. He was a painter and a handyman so this is a perfect memory of him to take along with me.
Can’t say I ever knew something like this existed. It’s kind of cool!
Seriously, you just can’t have too many of these!
Boo Boo Fixer. I feel like I am definitely going to use this. This one of two kits I got in this haul. This one my mom put together by hand.
The card from Day 11 – pic of items below. Also, Mom mentioned that Daddy was pretty excited to be able to work in the term ‘ad infinitum’.
Some day 11 stuff…
More day 11 – A box from Amazon with notes. Again with the ad Infinitum. *giggle*
DAY 12 ended it all with Audio of the whole 12 days as written by my folks. Sung by my Dad, with a sweet message at the end from both Mom and Dad. You may think it’s silly but I cried as I listened to it because I was so overwhelmed with how wonderfully thoughtful my parents are and how supported and loved I knew I was.
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