The Holiday Thread

[MKSixer]

This is the first non-health related thread I've made since returning. Since my health scare I've been more mindful of the more important things in life...family, friends, slowing down and not working so much.

So I'll kick this off and ask what everyone has as holiday traditions. We typically meet at my parents home about 11:30 for family Christmas lunch after Mass. We don't typically do gifts because we can all buy what we want and try to keep the holiday focused on the birth of Jesus.

As you think to respond and share, take a moment to absorb this wonderful holiday video to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N9jszFROT3k

[UncleWede]

Things went to shit last Christmas with my dad being so sick. Now he's gone, and not sure who will take on the lead role.

Wife and I are going with her family on a Mexican Riviera cruise beginning on Christmas Eve.

One of the fondest memories I have with the whole family (beside that year I was 12 and got a .22, or when I was about 17 and got boat anchor because the new Bayliner was in the driveway) was that one Christmas Eve, apparently my dad would get some flour and scatter it over his feet as he walked from the chimney to the tree, leaving white-outlined footsteps. The grandkids used to love that as well, but now even they are "adults"

MK, I wish you the holiest of holidays, and PEACE on earth!

[Tommy-G]

Fortunately/not fortunately we don’t have much family. My parents live close by and my wife’s are 1200 miles away and they aren’t very close so we do us.

Trip to Disney/Orlando to walk the parks and see all the decorations and a weekend away. Do some shopping, some drinking/eating and relaxing.

Then we always do a nice Christmas Eve dinner and on Christmas barely put on pants. We sit around with the animals and do nothing

[hubbahubba]

Every year is different. Our family is spread out, so we never really know for sure what we're going to get until it's time to either eat, or open gifts. This year, for sure my son and his newly engaged fiance (welcome to the family sweet lady) are coming from Seattle, and my mom from the bay area. Once they split on the 26th, my dad and his wife show up for a bit on the 27th. Not sure what that entails yet, but will be good to see them also. The rest is up for best guesses. We may see all of our nieces and nephews, or none of 'em. Either way, will be a good holiday.

[floridaorange]

Used to go to my Grandparents, have a big meal, my grandfather would read the Christmas story from the Bible with the all the grandkids sitting around. Around 30 of us in total. They lived in South Florida and were in the farming industry. We would then get to choose from his large stash of silver coins (unopened) that he collected. The littler cousins would open gifts given to them by other cousins. It was awesome. My grandparents have both passed away. Now we usually get together with my Dad's side of the family, my uncle usually hosts, but this year his wive's brother has cancer and they don't want to host, so right now it's anyones guess who will host. Usually about 50+ show up and eat and visit with each other, on Christmas Eve. (We are getting together though to meet the latest great grandchild at my cousins). Christmas day we get up just before sun-up usually, my boys are at a fever pitch at that point in anticipation to open presents. My parents and sister live a block away, they come over around 9am to open a few more presents and then we have breakfast together. Usually Christmas bread and orange slices. I am blessed to have a lot of family, the majority of which have lots of kids and growing up I thought it was normal. Then I got married to my wife, whose family is divorced and faith doesn't really play much of a role in their families lives, and I've come to realize over the years just how incredibly fortunate I am. Not only to have a big family, but a family who loves each other, loves God and offers a great deal of stability, culture and tradition for my wife.

[M_Six]

We hide out at home. We've tried the travel-to-see-family bit, but it's always been more of a hassle than it's worth. The last time we went to spend Christmas in Florida with my late sister, we got stuck in Chicago because of snow on the way down and had to spend an extra day there because of snow again in Chicago on the way back. We don't have a large extended family, so it's no big deal to just stay home. Now that my sister is gone, it's just me and my younger brother. He's here with us this year, so that will be nice.

[Blue87]

Since my wife doesn't get along with my family (or even hers) we usually stay home; however, this year we are going to Disneyland/Universal/KnottsB for what will hopefully be a low hassle blast. I'm sure the airports will be be crazy and are hoping to make it there without any delays. One of my favorite traditions is putting brandy in the egg nog since we do not really have any that are family specific. Hope everyone will have a good Christmas or [insert your holiday here].