Mullets, Turkeys and It’s a Wonderful Life

Normally, I love a good challenge. Can’t find that one last item that you need for Christmas? I’m on it. Trying to figure out how you’re going to have everything come out of the oven at just the right time? I’m your girl. But this year’s holiday schedule has posed a unique challenge for a person who revels in every single minute of both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year our family is having “Thanks-Christmas.”

Two of our sons live far enough away that it isn’t practical for them to fly home twice only weeks apart. Add to that the fact that they need to spend time with the families of their wife/girlfriend, and it soon becomes apparent that we will be combining the two holidays into one. I am beyond grateful that we will all be together for an entire weekend and plan to cherish these moments as much as possible. In addition, our extended family from Michigan will be here which makes it even more fantastic.

As Arnie and I pondered this uncharted territory we tried to figure out exactly how to make our house feel, well….Thanks-Christmas-y. I truly want the meal part of Thanksgiving to feel like Thanksgiving, and the Christmas part of our celebration to feel Christmasy. Thus, our house has taken on a kind of holiday mullet. Instead of “business in the front and party in the back” it is “Thanksgiving in the front……and Christmas in the back.

Anyone with O.C.D. would probably cringe spending time in my home right now. The best I can offer is that at least each room is consistent; it’s either Thanksgiving or Christmas. But I’m not going to lie. You can stand under the mistletoe in the front hallway or enjoy the lights from the Christmas tree and mantle in the family room. You can also enjoy fall leaves, a cornucopia and turkeys in the dining room. And for the next week, that’s how it’s going to stay.

Not to mention the dilemma with food. Turkey and ham are easy; they both work for each holiday. But the boys won’t be back for Christmas, so should I also make some iced Christmas sugar cookies? Fudge? Should I plan a few Christmas games to make it feel like Christmas? So many decisions and so little time.

Thankfully my precious mother loves to wrap presents. As much as I loathe wrapping presents. I shop for her and she wraps for me; a setup that has worked well for years. So for the past few weeks we have shuttled presents back and forth between our homes in anticipation of our upcoming holiday weekend. No matter when it happens there is nothing that I love more than choosing gifts for my loved ones and seeing their faces as they open them.

Regardless of how or when we celebrate the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, there are really only a few things that truly matter. The time we spend giving thanks for the abundance of blessings in our lives. The celebration of the birth of that tiny babe so long ago. Unconditional love for family and precious moments spent together. My heart is full and my house is ready to bust at the seams with hugs and laughter. Mullet and all.

Sincerely,

Susan