Merry Christmas!

This has been my kind of Christmas.

I have some incredible friends who reach out to me during the holidays. Their invitations are heartfelt, genuine and more than appreciated. People (appropriately) don’t want me (or anyone) to be alone on a holiday.

I spent yesterday and part of today with some amazing hosts. We started at their home – prepping and cooking for a dinner that would be enjoyed at the husband’s childhood home. I gathered with him and his wife, his mother, son and daughter-in-law, daughter and her friend. 

We enjoyed Alaskan crab legs, caviar, salad, wine, and laughter. It was my first visit to the family homestead and it was an honor to tour through the stone home, hear its history and their family stories.  One of the delights was to hear that it was part of the Underground Railroad – very prevalent through that part of Southern Michigan.

After dinner, we returned to my friends’ house – I found my favored couch for sleep and (was told) I provided snores that could rival any sawmill. It was a great sleep!

Today, Christmas, I watched their gift exchange and co-piloted some cooking (cheese soup, crab Eggs Benedict – all adding to the lamb/pork/beef we prepped the day before. There is no lack of cooking/eating when we gather!

This year, I decorated my house with lights and have a Christmas tree – the first time in decades. There were some motivators (I hosted a dinner for 12 and have friend whose tree decorating skills are amazing) – but it was unusual that I had any seasonal decorations. 

Later this week I will visit my brother and his family, dine with more friends, and, thanks to the scheduled closure of the University of Michigan (my employer), have 4-5 days to catch up on the important chores of paying taxes, doing laundry, and taking down the holiday decor (though I’m told that the lights on the house would be a hit at Easter!).

This is probably one of the dullest posts I’ve offered (sorry!). My point? That friendship is critical and that embracing the season isn’t so scary. I might even buy some poinsettias next year!  

I wish a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all my readers. Let’s all have an amazing 2019!

If you feel out of sorts during the holiday season (or any time), reach out to family and friends . . . and don't forget that there is a National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-8255.