The Holiday Season Evolution

Like life Itself, holidays are always changing

Photo by Ann on Unsplash

My Thanksgiving always included a requisite drive to the Chicago area. A revolving door of family members congregated at Grandma Nonnie’s house where laughter and aromas greeted you walking up the driveway. It was boisterous. Every room had a television and every television was on (loud)—there were the usual football games in the living room. Barney & Friend played in Grandma’s bedroom with cousins sprawled across her bed mesmerized by the dancing purple dinosaur. Someone was always watching replays of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in the sunroom off the kitchen guarding sweet potato pies on the table. The lonely exercise bike sat in a corner of the sunroom doubling as a coat rack. No one would ride it today.

My family hasn’t celebrated Thanksgiving in my grandparent’s home since 2009. Our family tradition had a fortunate final chapter. My grandfather lived in their home, after Grandma Nonnie died, for an additional twelve years. Our celebrations evolved. My grandfather excitedly hosted a new generation of family members visiting during the holiday season until he was 95 years old.

As we age, acknowledging the holiday season changes. I won’t even use the word “celebrate.” This year many families will be missing a spouse, father, sister, mother, child, special aunt, or uncle for the first time. There may not be the usual celebration of past years. The first few years may take on a more melancholy tone. There may be visits to loved ones in care facilities or a remembrance of those who have died.

Duran, the boxer, is unamused by his holiday outfit.

Thanksgiving, the December Holidays, and the New Year are going to come no matter how we experience it. Families also grow welcoming spouses, children, and new friends making spirits bright. There is an opportunity to begin new traditions. After a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch feast with my son’s in-laws; I joined my cousins for late dinner at Maggiano’s, an Italian restaurant. (Thank goodness I worked out hard at the gym Wednesday.)

The December holidays kicked off with a gift exchange and lunch with 25 members of the Indiana Over 60 Women Travelers. In 2021, this group began with four friends who loved to travel and now has 435 members across the state! I joined in the Fall of 2021 and have enjoyed movies, lunches, day trips, and longer journeys with the group. Christmas lunch included a surprise visit from Santa Claus (because you’re never too old to believe in the magic of the holiday season), great food, lots of laughs, and reconnecting. Some of the ladies are anticipating their Costa Rica trip in March 2025. It was the fuel I needed to ignite my holiday spirit.

Yeah, the holidays are going to change. The season is going to evolve. Eight years later, me and this guy are the same height. Thankfully, spending time with Grandma is still cool. For now, he will listen to stories about my Christmases growing up in Chicagoland visiting Marshall Fields on State Street (and he even asks questions!) There are no outdoor lights on the house this year. The tree is still going up decorated with ornaments my son made in elementary school, ornaments my grandson made in preschool, and ornaments celebrating new relationships.

Wherever you are in the evolution of your holiday season, all my best to you and yours!

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