By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Remember when you were a child and the most excellent day ever was when the Sears Wish Book came in the mailbox? Okay, in case you are too young to have that marvelous memory, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, which included a glorious, beautifully illuminated tree on the cover, and pages and pages of gadgets, and bicycles, and dollhouses--and matching jammies for the family. That catalog cover was a motivation for a perfect Christmas for scores of kids who're Amazon-savvy adults today, and admit it, you sort of miss the fun of opening that Wish Book and seeing that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.That is the thing regarding traditions--they at some point phase out, and something new swaps with the old. Sometimes they reach a natural and organic ending--the coordinating PJs come to mind--but in other cases, a tradition ceases too unexpectedly, causing you to be stranded in an emotional void. That's a prevalent happening when you've moved to Austin and are facing that primary holiday season in a new area, without your "this is what we typically do" safety net to traverse the season. Oh, you never genuinely like going to your Auntie Myrtle's for dried out turkey for Thanksgiving? As well as those previous neighbors whose idea of decorating was a yard (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Okay, it is time to let go and commence a few new traditions--ones that you and your household would like to do.
Friendsgiving
This really is a millennial thing that has caught on across generational divides (some millennials have teenagers in high school now), as a group that's on the move therefore spending the holidays away from home and family. Invite a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving feast. You supply the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you're busting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everyone makes a side dish or a dessert. Don't feel you need to invite thousands, ask as few or as many as you wish.
Volunteer
There are numerous volunteer opportunities during the holidays, and you can go it alone, or as a family group. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee shops are a super source of identifying opportunities, covering anything from assisting in a soup kitchen to providing holiday meals and presents and wrapping gifts for little ones.
Head to an Event
Astonishing as it may be to comprehend, there is far more to holiday entertainment than yet another novice performance of the Nutcracker. You will discover holiday shows, tree lightings, performances, as well as spiritual activities. Many smaller municipalities host light extravaganzas--determine if there's one close to you. A number of locations in the South have outdoor ice-skating rinks during the holidays--indeed, you might be dressed in shorts, however do bring mittens since it is a tad nippy out there on the ice.
Movie Night
We all grew up with the Grinch, and also those great Rankin-Bass movies--who can ever forget the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Create a weekly movie date throughout the holidays and take another look at the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or perhaps "Christmas With the Kranks" the subsequent.
Plan A Getaway
Should you be not feeling the holiday season this year, and you could manage it financially, consider a trip. It's not too late to book a trip somewhere hot and sunny, but if that's not in the spending plan visit somewhere near by. If you can possibly comfortably get there, New York reaches its best over the holidays--the large tree at Rockefeller Center goes up before Thanksgiving, as well as the holiday shop windows around 5th and Madison Avenues are virtually worth the visit.
Stay Connected
The internet helps it to be so simple to stay plugged in with old close friends and family when you are moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for sure, but ultimately more sweet than bitter. You can share your activities instantly or even browse through pictures more unhurried in the future. In either case, stay optimistic--New Year's is simply a week away after which it's all done until next year.
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