By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Remember when you were a child and the best day ever was when the Sears Wish Book arrived in the mailbox? Okay, if you're too young to have that wonderful memory, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, which included a glorious, beautifully lit tree on the cover, and pages and pages of gadgets, and bikes, and dollhouses--and coordinating jammies for the entire family. That catalog cover was an inspiration for a flawless Christmas for scores of youngsters which are Amazon-savvy grown ups today, and face it, you kind of miss the excitement of opening that Wish Book and finding that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.That's the thing concerning traditions--they eventually phase out, and something new replaces the old. At times they arrive at a normal and organic finish--the coordinating pajamas come to mind--but other times, a tradition stops too unexpectedly, causing you to be stranded in an emotional void. That is a common occurrence when you have moved to Denver and are facing that first holiday season in a new area, without your "this is what we typically do" safety net to navigate the season. Oh, you never actually like going to your Great aunt Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? And the previous neighbors whose concept of decorating was a lawn (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Okay, it's time to let go and start new traditions--ones that you and your family want to do.
Friendsgiving
This is a millennial event that's caught on across generational splits (a number of millennials have teenagers in high school these days), being a group who's on the move and so spending the holidays away from home and relatives. Ask a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving dinner. You supply the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you are breaking out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everyone provides a vegetable or a dessert. Don't think you have to invite multitudes, ask as few or as many as you like.
Volunteer
There are lots of volunteer options during the holidays, and you can do it yourself, or as a family unit. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee boutiques can be a super resource for identifying possibilities, which range from helping out in a soup kitchen to providing holiday meals and presents and wrapping gifts for youngsters.
Attend an Event
Shocking as it can be to recognize, there is a lot more to holiday entertainment than yet another novice performance of the Nutcracker. You will discover holiday concerts, tree lightings, plays, and faith based activities. Lots of smaller municipalities host light extravaganzas--figure out if there is one close to you. Some places in the South set up out of doors ice-skating rinks during the holidays--of course, you might be dressed in shorts, but do bring mittens since it is a little chilly out there on the ice.
Movie Night
We all grew up with the Grinch, and those great Rankin-Bass movies--who could ever forget about the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Create a weekly movie evening over the holidays and revisit the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "Christmas With the Kranks" the following.
Take A Vacation
Should you be simply not feeling the holidays this year, and you might manage it economically, plan a vacation. It is not too late to reserve an excursion somewhere hot and exotic, but if that's not in the budget visit someplace else near by. If you can possibly conveniently make it happen, New York is at its finest during the holidays--the massive tree at Rockefeller Center goes up prior to Thanksgiving, and the holiday shop windows along 5th and Madison Avenues are just about worth the trip.
Stay Connected
The online world makes it so easy to stay plugged in with old friends and family when you are moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for sure, yet truly more sweet than bitter. It is easy to share your celebrations in real time or scroll through pictures more unhurried down the road. In any event, remain upbeat--New Year's is only a week away after which it is all finished until next year.
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