Creating special moments during the holidays while staying safe

Just like that, Thanksgiving came and went.

Even during a pandemic, we were determined to gather in any way we could. My niece volunteered to host a small group of family, and I verified that we would be able to sit outside for dinner. Thankfully, the North Carolina weather cooperated with unseasonably warm temperatures. We all contributed to the meal, and I once again experimented with a new side dish of roasted vegetables. My family is a good test kitchen for my infrequent attempts at cooking, and they always expect that I will bring something that has never appeared on our table before. Fortunately, the roasted vegetables were a big hit, and all I took home was a clean dish.

We stayed outside as long as we could, until the early sunset started closing in and the temperature cooled down considerably. This year, as I’m sure was true in many families throughout the country, we did not discuss politics. While I was very tempted, I swore that I would be on my best behavior!

When we moved inside, and the football games were well underway, I sat with my mask on for a short time at a distance, before deciding to head home. Taking a plate with plenty of the traditional favorites, I said my goodbyes and left with only elbow bumps as farewell “hugs.”

Now Christmas looms in just a few short weeks. I have to admit, it feels very different this year. But then, hasn’t most everything in 2020? My son, who lives in NYC, likely won’t be able to join us due to guidelines the City has for those who travel out-of-state. That obviously leaves a big hole in my excitement for the season. But I carry on.

I ordered Christmas cards again, but have to admit that I used a photo with my son from last year. We have not been together at all this year. The good news is that we look happy, and hey, I’m a year younger. Nothing wrong with that!

My family will gather once again, this time down in Cape Carteret. We’ll no doubt set up outside again, but probably earlier in the day to catch the most sun. And we can find solace in talking about the college basketball season, which is now underway even though there are no fans in the arenas to raise a ruckus!

We’ll all be anxious for 2021, and most of us will be eligible for a vaccine relatively soon. So, in the meantime, in the time-honored tradition of Americans everywhere, we forge ahead to create moments that are special in spite of the constraints.

Happy holidays!