Chapter 1: The Emotional Return to School

Recently, my friend Marina shared on Facebook her feelings about her two boys heading back to school next week. It made me ponder whether I can genuinely say I will miss the same.

What I will likely miss the most is the luxury of sleeping in, without the early morning rush to ensure my daughter catches her school bus by 7 a.m. However, will I truly miss her attending classes from her bedroom? Witnessing her only partially engage in her studies while yearning for her friends has been tough. Moreover, my role as an on-demand cook, teaching assistant, and tech support has been quite overwhelming. I doubt I will miss that.

Marina’s post elicited mixed reactions: some mothers expressed that they would miss having their children at home, even the teenagers they often clash with. In contrast, others eagerly anticipated the return to traditional schooling. I find myself in a bit of a grey area.

While I cherish the family moments we've shared, such as our recent board game night playing Ticket To Ride—wonderfully gifted by my husband—I can't help but think of the missed opportunities. The game was quite a challenge, and we all laughed together, with my daughter not rushing back to her iPhone, Roblox, or friends.

Throughout the year, we’ve indulged in puzzles, card games, and long strolls in nature. We've baked more than we usually do. In many ways, this period has been a gift, highlighting the importance of family over friends. Yet, as I reflect, I recognize the activities we could have engaged in. With strict lockdown measures in London, our outings were limited to essential errands and exercise. Still, we could have had family picnics in our garden or set up a tent for a backyard campout—experiences my 12-year-old daughter would have loved, had my husband and I embraced them with enthusiasm.

I’ve watched in envy as some of my more creative friends have come up with imaginative ways to pass the time. For instance, my friend Rachel organized a donut decorating party and hosted family bake-offs, creating videos as if they were contestants on a baking show. Then there's Jane, who has been enjoying formal dinners at home complete with champagne and multi-course meals. Kristin and her family have taken it a step further by recreating iconic movie scenes, such as a memorable moment from Shawshank Redemption:

As I look back on the year we could have made more memorable, I sometimes feel regret for not being more adventurous. However, perhaps I am being overly critical of myself. After an entire year filled with family time, the fact that we can still share laughter over a simple board game might just be a miracle in itself.

Chapter 2: Creative Inspirations During Lockdown

The first video titled "Hello" - A Covid-19 Parody [Family Friendly] offers a humorous take on the challenges faced during lockdown, reminding us of the lighter moments we can find even in tough times.

In the second video, "De'Aundre Bonds Regrets Agreeing to 'Lockdown' Rape Scene (Flashback)," we see reflections on the complexities of navigating life during the pandemic and the impact of creative choices in storytelling.