The festive season, whether it’s Christmas, New Year, Hanukkah, or whatever holiday you and your family celebrate, is often thought of as a time for big smiles and lots of fun. While that may be true in 95% of the cases, it is also filled with stress and sorrow. For me, the holidays are a wonderful time of year when I get to see family and friends who I don’t see nearly enough, but it is also a reminder of the loved ones I’ve lost. This year I was fortunate enough to be back in New Hampshire (WITH SNOW TOO) and it was bittersweet. Stopping by the houses that used to be the homes of dearly departed aunts and uncles always has a bit of a bite to it.
Don’t get me wrong, it is always a wonderful time when I’m able to go home and see everyone, but it comes with a reminder that some are no longer with us. The individuals who sit quietly in the back of my mind are at the forefront for the majority of the trip. However, that adds to the magical feeling of the season for me. That may sound a bit masochistic, but a reminder is needed sometimes to hug our loved ones a little bit longer and harder. Overall, it fills my heart to be able to see family and spend time with those who mean so much to me, even if a few seats at the table are empty.
Of course, while in the Northeast, it is illegal for me not to swing down to Pennsylvania and visit my favorite individual in the world—my best friend’s dog. And my bestie, too. After a week of family, it was a nice break to settle on a couch in the middle of nowhere and disappear from society for a bit. While not everyone may be enticed by the idea of no coverage, dirt roads, and dive bars, it was the perfect way to end both my trip and 2024.
