Our very ecclectic Dorm "Family" had an equally ecclectic holiday season.
Since all of us (except Anna) are in transition..either moving, graduating, getting a new job, or new home or new status, we focused on unique experiences that did not make us long for "Christmas past".
We started in November; just "pre-season" and had a dinner party. We decided we needed a break, and what better break than a party. So Party- Break is a Fiesta Siesta, right?
The Fiesta Siesta was just what we needed! Something to look forward to something to plan and something to celebrate! We reviewed and fine tuned the menu and the guest list and before long it was here! 10 people for dinner with festive music, great food and wonderful conversation! It was exhilerating! And dessert! We had Mohito or Cranberry gelato... aren't we sophisticated???
Next stop, Thanksgiving!
Anna was here with friends. Claire and Ruby were back home with family. As the newly divorced one, I made the only rational choice: I went to Cabo!!
It was such a warm and fabulous week, I may just start a new tradition of being very non traditional on Thanksgiving! Next year, you're ALL invited to create a new tradition!
Christmas was almost upon us, and despite the tight economic conditions that all of us found ourselves in this year, Anna was somehow able to provide a lovely live tree. She and Claire managed to get it set up relatively well, considering the broken tree holder. It was ALMOST straight. While our hearts were in the right place, Ruby and I should have probably tried to correct the "lean" BEFORE we had a few glasse of wine. We worked on our backs (with very little satisfaction) for about 30 minutes under the pine needles only to make it worse.
When Anna came back she found our tree leaning in the corner. We were so humiliated that we made sure to buy a new tree holder and some ornaments to have it be Charlie Brown picture perfect the next night when Anna came in from her big date night out. We celebrated our success with chocolate!
Ok. We have modest decorations, a few sented candles and a large place to have a holiday party. Just because we had limited funds should NOT stop us from having a Christmas party. After all, we did it when we were young and single! It's called a "pot luck" brunch! All invied parties agreed. We supplied bacon, Cosmopoitan punch and good Christmas music. The gang brought other goodies and lots of hugs and laughter. We caught up and played Balderdash over group therapy and had a wonderful day!
I guess we needed to now that no matter what your circumstaces, you can find a way to bring the holidays into your "Home du jour" as well as your heart!
Happy New Year!
Make it count!
Love,
Meredith
