As the vibrant colors of Halloween fade, candy wrappers litter the sidewalks, remnants of an evening filled with laughter and excitement. Pumpkins, once aglow, now sit quietly, their lights extinguished. The joyous excitement of trick-or-treating transforms into a cozy scene as children sift through their mountain of treats, inspecting each piece with wide-eyed wonder. There’s a lively exchange as kids eagerly trade Snickers for Butterfingers and Milky Ways for Reese's Cups, while parents sneak a few of their own favorites—a sweet reminder of their childhood joy.
With Halloween behind us, thoughts naturally shift toward the Thanksgiving season. Decorations featuring turkeys begin to adorn doors, and our trusty fridge displays a large turkey decoration, snugly affixed with the last few magnets. Mom prepares for the holiday by gathering her lists and coupons, excitedly strolling through the aisles of the grocery store. She joins other eager shoppers, quickly grabbing essentials like pumpkin pie filling and canned green beans before the shelves start to empty. Spotting a rush towards the fruit section, she expertly steers her cart through the chaos, making sure to snatch up the last of the cranberries. With a little friendly banter and determination, she completes her Thanksgiving mission.
Once the turkey leftovers have finally vanished, the excitement builds for Christmas. The large turkey is replaced by an equally grand Santa Claus decoration on the fridge. Dad sets aside an entire Saturday to retrieve boxes from the attic—most clearly labeled "Christmas," though a few labeled without names might reveal forgotten treasures someday. For now, we joyfully untangle strings of lights, testing each one as Dad prepares to string them along the front porch. I can’t help but notice Mom’s cautious glance as Dad climbs the ladder, thinking to herself that maybe it’s time he took it a bit easier.
With the lights twinkling brightly, it’s time to welcome the inflatable holiday characters into our yard. Reindeer pulling sleighs, a waving snowman, and many more bring joy to passersby. I remember as a child wondering if those characters went “to sleep” during the day and “woke up” when the lights turned on. Dad’s thoughtful answer had reassured me, and I loved that we could share those innocent questions.
As Black Friday approaches, stores prepare for the shopping frenzy by dedicating aisles to toys, games, bicycles, and more. Mom, who tackles early mornings like a pro, slips into her running shoes and comfortable clothes, ready with a list taped to her cart and armed with a bag full of coupons. The thrill of the hunt fills her with festive energy, and her enthusiasm makes every shopping trip an adventure that captures the spirit of the season.
When the much-anticipated day arrives, our home transforms into a magical rendition of Santa’s village. We gather under the twinkling tree to exchange gifts—everything from toys to practical items like socks and underwear, each wrapped with love to make the pile look grander. Stockings hang from the fireplace, filled with pencils, an occasional orange, and small surprises. Dad uncovers new slippers, their sound unmistakable as he walks through the house, ensuring we’re cozy and tucked in for the night. He also receives a couple of ties and a fresh belt, while my own gift to him is a pouch of Captain Morgan pipe tobacco—a little nod to his personality.
Mom takes her time unwrapping gifts, savoring the look of joy on our faces. I still smile thinking about the day she nearly lost her balance in a playful competition over the last GI Joe action figure. With gentle encouragement, she finally opens her presents, unveiling a bottle of her cherished perfume, new slippers, and a romance novel. Among the store-bought gifts, she treasures the ornament we created together from popsicle sticks, placing it proudly on the tree among her collection of memories.
The arrival of the New Year is celebrated with revelry and good cheer. Our living room transforms into a festive scene, filled with party hats, noise makers, and streamers, as we prepare for the countdown and the hope of a New Year’s kiss. In a twist of fate, Aunt Sandra, with her warm embrace, plants a wet kiss on my cheek, leaving me feeling both embarrassed and amused.
As New Year’s Day dawns, the atmosphere shifts to one of relaxation and comfort. Dad settles in to watch football, a trusty bottle of aspirin by his side, while Mom takes a peaceful moment to recover, finding solace with a cool compress.
Each of these moments, from Halloween to New Year’s Day, weaves a beautiful tapestry of family traditions, joyful chaos, and cherished memories that remind us of the love and laughter we share. As we embrace each season, there’s an unquenchable spirit of togetherness that lights up our lives, ensuring that each holiday is filled with warmth, joy, and gratitude.
Mike 2025
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