❄️Reflections on the Holiday Season of 2024❄️
As the curtains close on another festive holiday season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the warmth and laughter that filled my heart over the past few months. These cherished moments are a reminder of the joy and connection that make the holidays so special.
✨️NOVEMBER 🍂🥮🍗
The holiday season officially kicked off with Thanksgiving here in the U.S., a time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for the year’s blessings. While many eagerly anticipate the turkey feast, my husband and I look forward to the great deals and sales during Thanksgiving week. However, before the big day, I love spending quality time with my family at the pumpkin patch.
Now that we have a toddler, we’re even more excited to immerse ourselves in traditional activities, such as visiting the pumpkin patch, riding the hayride, exploring the petting zoo, and enjoying train rides. Seeing the joy and wonder on our child’s face makes these experiences even more meaningful.
Thanksgiving Day itself is the busiest day for my husband. He takes charge of cooking the turkey, while I handle most of the side dishes. It’s a team effort that makes the meal feel extra special and reminds us of the importance of working together as a family.
✨️DECEMBER 🧑🎄🎄❄️
Next came the anticipation of Christmas. Our Christmas tree was carefully decorated, each ornament telling a story or holding a cherished memory. The house was filled with cinnamon-scented spray, new Christmas placemats and tablecloths, and hot cocoa, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere.
In the second week of December, I had the pleasure of attending my husband's workplace holiday party—an event I’d been hearing about for months. It was a delightful evening and a much-needed night out for me, free of the constant demands of toddler life. Can you imagine the joy of an evening without a toddler clinging to my hip every second? It felt like a rare treat to reconnect with adults and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Four days before Christmas, we finally decorated our Christmas tree. Some relatives had stayed with us for a couple of days, leaving us little time to prepare in the weeks leading up to the holiday. Fortunately, we managed to carve out some time to quickly set up the tree amidst all the busyness. With our curious toddler around, we decided to forgo the fragile glass ornaments this year. Instead, we placed most of the decorations higher up, out of reach. Like any typical toddler, ours finds it irresistibly fun to pull ornaments off the tree. It was a compromise that ensured both the tree's beauty and its survival!
A few days after Christmas, my husband, who had a holiday week off, surprised us with tickets to visit WinterFest at Great America. It had been decades since I last visited the park, and walking through its vibrant, festive atmosphere brought back some vague yet cherished memories. It was a wonderful family outing, filled with colorful lights, holiday music, and laughter. Our toddler, who is absolutely mesmerized by bright lights and arcade games, had the time of their life. It was heartwarming to experience the magic of the holidays through their eyes, making it a mini trip to remember.
✨️FINAL THOUGHTS✨️
As an adult, celebrating the holidays brings a unique perspective. When I was young, the holiday season was always filled with excitement and wonder. Now that I'm older and have a child of my own, I'm the one deciding what kind of holiday experience I want to create for my child. Should I strive to create a winter wonderland, or emphasize the importance of family togetherness over the thrill of receiving an abundance of gifts?
Hmmm....? 🤔🤨
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