The holiday season always stirs a wide range of thoughts and emotions within me. I find myself reflecting on the cherished memories of past Thanksgivings spent with my maternal family. I can still vividly picture my grandparents' home, filled with the sounds of lively conversation, laughter echoing through the rooms, and the warm, comforting scents of a bountiful feast drifting from the kitchen. It was a time of togetherness, where the joy of family and the simple pleasures of shared meals created lasting memories that I carry with me every year.
As the years went by and family dynamics evolved, my sister and I, both single parents, took it upon ourselves to carry on the traditions. We rented a spacious home where we could host our own holiday meals and gatherings, keeping the spirit of togetherness alive. Despite the changes in our lives, we made sure to maintain the warmth and sense of tradition, filling our home with the same love, laughter, and celebration that had been so important to us growing up.
As life moved forward, we each took new steps—buying our own homes, watching siblings grow up and start families of their own, and seeing my children become parents themselves. With each new chapter, the family dynamics shifted once again. Between visits to in-laws, sharing my grandchildren with their other grandparents, and navigating the complexities of blended celebrations, it’s been a challenge to ensure that the traditions I hold dear are passed down to the next generation. Yet, despite these changes, I’ve made it a point to continue one tradition: my door is always open for anyone who wants to join us - a warm invitation for all who wish to share in the celebration, complete with a table set with the familiar staples of a holiday spread.
No matter whether the house is bustling with the laughter of kids and grandkids or quieter with just a few of us, or just my husband and myself, I still hold onto the tradition of decking the halls as the weekend approaches. I make sure to fill the house with the sweet, fresh scent of pine, its fragrance a comforting reminder that the holiday season is upon us. The simple act of bringing in the tree and decorating it marks the beginning of the festive season, inviting warmth and joy into our home and setting the stage for all the special moments the season has yet to offer.
What traditions will you cherish and carry forward this season?
Add comment
Comments