We made the call early this year, and firmly. We’re staying home for the holidays, and not having company. It’s not the first time we’ve made that choice, but instead of doing it because we’re sick, we’re doing it to stay healthy.
Our extended family gatherings are among my favorite things in the world. We each have a few dishes that we’re known for, and they’re all to die for. Whenever I can I prefer to host, and as such I get the honor of preparing the main dish, and I take it seriously. I often indulge in several days of food preparation and make a hearty soup the day after the holiday to last through a long weekend. This year I’ll do the same, but it will be with just my spouse and kids.
After a long year of being home together without visitors, we’re pretty used to it, but the holidays are a whole different story. I’ll definitely miss that hilarity of playing “That’s What She Said” or “Cards Against Humanity” in the basement after the kids go to bed and still being afraid we’ll awaken them two floors above us from the laughter, but it’s because I want more of this for years to come that I’m skipping holiday gatherings for 2020.
We’ve had our share of heartbreak and we’re no strangers to hospital stays and serious viruses. Even a common cold can cause uncommon havoc in our family. I just don’t want to try to pull off a family visit and realize too late it that it was a bad idea.
I know others see it differently, they don’t want to miss out, and I don’t blame them. This choice isn’t easy for anyone.
Maybe it’s because we’ve had to make so many tough choices before and had to miss so many celebrations over the years that this decision comes so naturally to us. We know how to live with missing out, we know how to manage disappointment, and how to make a minimalist, quiet holiday just as special as the hustle and bustle that often defines the season and is so special and fun.
We’ll make things magical at home as we have been for almost all of 2020, and hope for time with family and friends in the year to come. I’m okay with that, more than okay, actually.
Alethea Mshar is a Special Needs Mom and Blogger.
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Wonderful article! I am a Mom with a special needs teenager, and I’ve sat with him on all his online classes during this pandemic. I’ve seen firsthand the work that my son’s teachers, paraeducators, and therapists have done in order to support our kids. Their work has been amazing.