Season’s Traditions

 

From what I hear, every family has certain holiday traditions. Who carves the turkey? When do you put up the outdoor lights? When does the tree go up? Who makes the eggnog?

But this year is going to be different.

This year we are on uncharted ground with new holiday expectations.

Getting a big bird for the feast can be reduced to a pre-roasted chicken since family gatherings are forbidden. However much you decide to cook for Thanksgiving, you better have room in the refrigerator or plan on eating it all.

This might be a good time to start that diet you’ve been thinking of since all you’ve done for months is eat and watch the screen. Want another slice of pumpkin pie?

After you store enough food to last you the winter, it’s time for the Christmas lights.

Unfortunately, this weird year has taken all the joy out of the season. The motivation to get out and untangle and climb a ladder to make a tacky display just doesn’t seem worth it. Besides the only ones driving back to see them are the delivery drivers or trucks waving Trump flags.

Going out into the woods on a cold winter evening to kill a tree while your kids continue to complain that they can’t get Wi-Fi out here doesn’t have the thrill it used to. Even a store bought, shipped in a cardboard box to hang some tinsel on that the cat will tear off just doesn’t seem worth getting off the couch.

Without friends or family coming by, it hardly seems worth decorating with wreaths, garland, candles, nutcrackers, and nativity scenes, fancy dinner wear or cinnamon wassail to disguise the smell of the litter box. Even the goofy Christmas sweater can remain in storage because everyone has already seen it.

Mailing Christmas cards has turned into emoji emails and to see the family log onto a Zoom meeting. Try giving a hug to your new grandchild on FaceTime. Don’t have to worry about Uncle Harry loud snoring after dinner. Just turn down the volume.

Even on the ‘special day’ you can’t attend a church service. Christmas carol singing doesn’t sound very good with only two voices.

Opening the presents has become a chore because everyone already knows what you had delivered from the specials on Amazon. The verification emails kills the sense of adventure. Be sure to check the recipe to send back and question the gift that wasn’t under the tree delivered to Tina?

This maybe a good year for you to start some new season traditions?

Give a pint of blood while you are getting your Covid-19 test. Take some of that food you cook to the soup kitchen. Adopt a pet to show them the something other than a cage.

Happy Holidays