Just the Facts #32

 "Rather than try to eliminate stress, find your flow within it." (Terri Trespicio)

Hello, my lovely friends! 

 

     The season of sparkle and cozy cheer is officially here! This time of year always makes me a little nostalgic.

 

So tell me: What was the absolute best, most fun, or perhaps even the weirdest holiday tradition you had as a kid? I want to hear all about those wonderful, core memories!

 

1.  As a kid, the J.C. Penney, Sears, and Montgomery Ward catalogs weren't just mail—they were the holy scrolls of Christmas wish fulfillment! I'd snag a legal pad and a pen and embark on a mission of epic proportions: drafting the ultimate Christmas list. Naturally, it was super organized; I'd meticulously note the page number, item description, and specific color for everything I desired. The level of commitment was real: I'm pretty sure I rewrote that masterpiece at least five times before it was finally deemed perfect and ready for Santa's review!

 

2.  Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without Mom's legendary stuffing—it's the star everyone raves about! Everyone, that is, except me. My arch-nemesis in the kitchen has always been the onion, which, of course, was a major ingredient.

For years, I admired it from afar, but about five years ago, my amazing Mom made a festive compromise: she started whipping up a separate, special batch, onion-free, just for me! It's the ultimate act of Thanksgiving love, ensuring even the pickiest palate gets a taste of her holiday magic!

 

3.  Remember those days when the Christmas tree seemed to hold the world's greatest secrets? I was a little detective, too! Every morning was a thrilling dash to see if Santa's elves had dropped off any fresh, sparkly cargo beneath the boughs.

I'd spend what felt like hours on my belly, meticulously rotating each gift, shaking it ever-so-gently, and trying to decipher the mysteries within the wrapping. The crinkle of the paper, the weight of the box... it was all part of the glorious, festive puzzle! (And just like you, my guesses were usually hilariously off the mark, but the anticipation was the best gift of all!)

 

4.  For six straight years, I was the walking embodiment of a holiday curse! While everyone else was decking the halls, I was just trying to keep the fever down. I swear, my body thought the perfect festive accessory was a box of tissues. The closest I ever got to a normal celebration was that one year I rallied just long enough for Thanksgiving dinner. It was a glorious 20 minutes of food before I had to wave the white flag and tuck myself back into my comfy, sickly bed.

 

5.  Thanksgiving dinner for the adults meant wine. For us kids, it was usually just grape juice envy. One magical year, the grown-ups decided we deserved a small, festive taste! We felt so sophisticated—like honorary adults!

Then came the big moment. The dinner started, we took our proud little sips... and realized that wine was the most awful, bitter stuff we had ever tasted. Every single kid made a face, spat it out, and promptly demanded some good old pop instead. Yuck! The thrill was gone, and our quest for adult sophistication ended right there.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!