Autumn gatherings

 It's one of those crisp autumn mornings when the sunlight filters through the colorful leaves, melting the thin layer of frost on the pumpkins. You stand outside in your bathrobe but soon realize the chilly weather calls for a jacket. As you sip your morning coffee, you take in the beauty surrounding you.

Later, friends and family will come over to watch football and enjoy the snacks you prepared last night to avoid any last-minute rushing. You can already envision some of them dressed in face paint, masks, and jerseys sporting their favorite player’s number.

Dishes filled with candy corn and freshly baked cookies will be set out, supervised by moms and dads who are trying to limit the kids' sugar intake. However, their vigilance doesn’t last long, as the focus quickly shifts to the game.

Cousin Mark is tapping a keg, and others join him for a lively game of beer pong. The doorbell rings nonstop as more guests arrive, bringing covered dishes of their favorite football foods, soon filling the table.

As the game progresses and your team is getting thrashed, you find yourself engaged in conversations about the upcoming holidays and who will host Christmas dinner this year. The men are discussing Gary’s buck, which he bagged last week, and debating who they think will make the playoffs. Uncle Bill looks anxious as he put some money on this game; it’s clear he won't be cashing in.

A few guests leave before the game ends, wanting to avoid a long drive home in the disappointing outcome. Others stick it out to the end, saying their goodbyes and leaving behind a mountain of dishes to wash. When Aunt Marie offers to stay and help, you insist you’ve got it covered, and just like that, the big day comes to a close.

The house falls eerily quiet as you tidy up, recalling the conversations about the upcoming holidays, with no decision yet on who will host Christmas dinner. You wouldn't mind taking it on; it’s your favorite time of year when family and friends gather around the table, with moms keeping watch over sneaky little fingers reaching for cookies and pieces of Grandma’s Christmas fudge.

Tomorrow, while standing on the porch sipping your morning coffee, wrapped in your winter coat, you’ll start making plans and call your sisters to declare that you’ll be hosting Christmas dinner. But someone else will have to take on Thanksgiving—yeah, right. 

Mike 2025