The holidays have always been a burden since adulthood. I loved Christmas as a child, only because I believed in Santa. My mom still repeats the Seed mantra, 'Every day is like Christmas.' She says this to me on the phone from her lock-down rehab facility. I don't have the heart to say anything back, but it still makes me cringe. This year, in part because my wife is expecting, and also because of a big snowstorm, and also because my wife is Jewish, I felt fine saying no to lots of the holiday hoopla, and I am so glad I did.
My wife and I stayed home, played Scrabble and Boggle, did a jigsaw puzzle, made chicken soup. We went out only to pick up a pizza and a couple of movies. Her mom and my stepmom braved the snow and stopped by for breakfast on Friday. We didn't shop. It was a great time!