Have yourself a Merry COVID-19… Christmas? A Follow up to our Podcast

Christmas 2020 is in the books. Boxes and bows have exited the building, lights and decorations have been put away until next year.  To me this Christmas reminded me of the past.  The stories my grandparents told us of Christmas being a celebration of the family.  The movie Capital in the 21st Century https://youtu.be/reyy9ASpMSc described Christmas of the 1800’ s as a small gathering sharing dinner and one another’s company. The movie discussed little exchange of gifts during the time and more of a focus on family and dinner.  Whether we longed for a change in our traditions or not COVID-19 forced our hands and changed the game.  Fear of the virus forced us to change direction quickly.  As if a giant snowball was headed in your direction anticipating landing directly between your eyes.   

White Christmas

I have had many conversations with friends who say they, hope for a White Christmas. My stomach dropped every time I heard that phrase. My first thought is no.  We live in the Northeast and are susceptible to Lake effect snow, Blizzards, and NYS Thruway closures. Traveling in December is stressful and sometimes hazardous because the weather is unpredictable.  Since we are unable to reside in the same town as family, we traveled to join the party.  Some years roads have closed while we were still driving on them.  Other years, we could not see in front of our vehicle and have navigated the road by using the side mirrors. During another tremendous storm we watched several tractor trailers flip over off the road.  By the time we arrive to the party, we are exhausted and worried about the drive home.  As I write this, I am thinking we were crazy to do this. We simply love our families, want to spend the day with them.  We didn’t know Christmas could be different until now.

This year we stayed home.  Terry cooked and incredible 7 course meal for all of us. It even included a gluten, soy, dairy free cake for me.   We had a Zoom conference with family.  Even though we weren’t able to be together we made it work.  I felt as if I listened and appreciated our time together even more. It was more intimate and family meant even more to me this year.  We have so much to be thankful and it had nothing to do with presents.

Our Menu 2020

Christmas Past

Our previous holiday celebrations were different.  I hazard to describe them as  a swirl of gifts on a tight schedule. My gift giving consisted of  buying gifts just to check off a box and not paying attention to the reactions of the recipients. My mission has always been to make sure everyone received something. I know this is not in the manner of the Christmas spirit but, I did not know how to get out of the trap of the season.  In addition, the holiday left me on a tight timetable and we were to make appearances at additional celebrations, with even more gift exchanges. With every appearance I would dream cozy nights with my husband and children. 2020 COVID-19 Christmas gave me my wish.   

Future Christmas

As mentioned earlier, I have been reflecting on Christmas of 2020.  One of my biggest regrets is spending too many years agonizing about the stuff. This year the stuff matters much less.   COVID-19 gave me a perspective of appreciating people as gifts. In my heart I always knew that but, retail got in the way.  Family and friends showed me a new way.  I think next year’s Christmas will be filled with appreciation and gratitude for surviving the giant snowball.

Cheers! XXOO

Gum and wine!