It's Okay

What a long, long year 2020 has been. I guess that is an understatement, but as we move towards the holidays it’s really hitting home. I don’t think one person has been spared some troubles during this year. We’ve lost loved ones, lost jobs, lost opportunities, lost communities.

And social media is no substitute for getting together to watch a game, having Sunday dinner with the grandchildren, or attending a performance at a local theater. (But we have discovered Zoom.) We’re tired. We’re sad sometimes. Hopeful others. We still can laugh, sing, and smile (even behind our masks.) Yes, we need to be realistic about the challenges we still face in the world, but I would suggest that a positive, caring attitude can help us meet them.

I would never presume to speak for everyone else, but I’m ready to be okay. It’s time.

So, let’s start with the holidays. If there’s one thing I love – it’s tradition! Thanksgiving morning family football games (mostly held to keep everyone out of the kitchen while the bird is being prepped), watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, everyone around the table stuffing themselves with stuffing and candied yams. And don’t forget the pies – pumpkin, mince, apple or blueberry! Thanksgiving naps in front of the TV while “watching” the game. I’m sure you have many other customs in your family. I love the familiarity of it. It grounds me. I know what to expect and count on it.

Perhaps not this year.

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go – or maybe she lives next door, or perhaps a time zone away. Whether by sled, car, train, or plane, gathering for Christmas has always been the bookend of the year. And talk about traditions! Maybe you go to mass on Christmas Eve and then return home to open just one present. All month long leading up to the 25th decorations have been arranged, baking aromas fill the kitchen, cards mailed, and presents wrapped. Some love the insanity that is Christmas shopping. Others enjoy meeting with friends to exchange a holiday hug and share hot cocoa. Christmas carols – traditional, modern, acoustic or symphonic – play on the radio. (But don’t even think of playing Dominic the Donkey or Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer!) Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

But it may be different this year.

5..4…3…2…1! Happy New Year! We toast the end of the year and the possibilities that a new year brings. This year especially, I think we are all looking forward to flipping the calendar and staring fresh. People used to bang pots and pans at midnight (do they still do that?) Funny hats and confetti everywhere. My brother has been hosting a New Year’s Eve party for almost 40 straight years – a tradition going all the way back to high school times. Some folks prepare special meals ham and cabbage on New Year’s Day (sorry, not my idea of a culinary delight.) Watch more football. The Waterford ball in Times Square drops in New York City on New Year’s Eve and the Mummer’s parade through Philadelphia on New Years Day. Whether you watch on TV or brave the elements to attend in person, these longstanding traditions are part of the start of a new beginning.

But our celebrations may be rethought this year.

And that is okay.

It’s November 12th, but I have already seen homes fully decorated for Christmas. Instead of shaking my head and thinking – man, they are rushing the season – I smiled and thought – that’s okay.

All the folks who are watching as many Hallmark channel Holiday movies as they can– cool! I can’t say I’ve personally watched them, but I know enough to stay out of the way of the movie buffs!

Those who have decided to have lasagna because roasting a turkey for a small group on Thanksgiving just doesn’t make sense (and everyone likes lasagna better anyway) – go for it!

Some are already organizing online caroling, while others have cranked up the streaming Christmas music stations. Why not?

We all deserve a chance to smile after the year we’ve had. And I know there are many differing opinions out there about the upcoming holiday season and what we should or shouldn’t do. Everyone will make their own decisions – and that’s okay too. I plan on doing everything I can to make the holidays ones we will remember. It will be different. But I’m looking forward to sharing virtual meals and hugs this year knowing that we will all be together next year. Maybe getting together in groups of two or three at a time. I know I have to send snickerdoodles to my siblings not matter what - there will be consequences if I don’t! And I think I’ll start decorating. I’m going to arrange all my Santa’s (there are over 100), get the tree up, and start using the Christmas dishes. No bah humbug here!

Each year I do a countdown of posts on my Facebook page. One year I did 25 days of Christmas socks (yes, I have that many pairs), another time it was ornaments, another it was cookie recipes. I’ve been doing it since 2009. I was beginning to run out of ideas, so I asked my Facebook troops to decide between Christmas accessories or Holiday drinks. Given the year we’ve had, it’s probably not a surprise that Drinks won! Can’t wait to start doing some research...ho, ho, ho.