Holiday Harmony Under One Roof

For the Week 94 Edition 01 weekly content in the Hive Learners community, we were asked to talk about 'Just One Thing' we've done already this holiday season so far. The question also asks if we've gone on trips or traveled to visit family and what the rest of the holiday period means for us.

The blunt truth is that I haven't done much traveling or sightseeing these holidays. My family lives in the same state and general area as I do, so there isn't a strong need to travel unless I want to see my extended family. The good news is that a large chunk of my extended family, including some cousins, aunts and uncles I only see once or twice a year, came to my house to spend the holidays together and we have been having a blast.

We've been playing games, cooking up feasts, joking around and making the kinds of heartwarming memories that the holiday season is all about. It's been so lively and cheerful having a full house. I'd take this over traveling any day.

To make the holiday season even more interesting and special, Dcember 25th happens to be my mom's birthday. We decided to jump in on one of TikTok's popular trends related to birthdays and declare jokingly, "I am not the birthday girl, I am the birthday girl's third daughter!" We all had a good laugh about that one. Seeing my mom beam with joy has been the best gift so far.

In fact, her birthday celebration today has been the highlight of my holiday season thus far. We spent the morning decorating the living room with balloons and streamers while blasting my mom's favorite music. My aunt made my mom's beloved homemade chocolate cake. Then we surprised her with a mini dance party and heartfelt toasts over dinner expressing how much we love and appreciate her. I could see happy tears in my mom's eyes.

Even though we haven't traveled anywhere yet, we do plan to go out and do something fun as one big family soon, either in the last few days of December or within the first week of January. The exact activity is still to be determined, but it will likely involve good food, activations for the kids, and plenty of camaraderie. The most important thing is that we will be enjoying quality time together.

The holidays aren't necessarily about the specific places you go or the tangible gifts you receive. They are about taking a pause to build connections and memories with loved ones. I'm fortunate to have so much extended family able to visit us this year. My mom said it's been her best birthday in ages thanks to everyone being under one roof.

As I reflect back on this holiday season, I am overwhelmingly grateful. Grateful that geographical distance has not prevented my relatives from uniting with me in spirit. Grateful that although I haven't had the time or budget to travel far, I've still felt the love of family envelop me like a cozy blanket. And grateful that something as simple as celebrating my selfless mother has brought me so much holiday cheer.

My only travel may have been between the dining room and kitchen to fetch more food. But when I'm immersed in good company, everywhere feels like the happiest place on Earth. As the year draws to a close, I know in my heart this has been a holiday season for the books.