Holiday Memories with The Meakem Group

The holidays are here, steeped in tradition, sprinkled with chaos, and primed for making memories! We’ve all been there: maybe your turkey experienced a similar fate as the one from “A Christmas Story,” or maybe your family has a unique tradition with an entertaining backstory. Through the laughter, tears, and plot twists, this time of year never fails to bring up nostalgic feelings. Here are some favorite or memorable holiday moments from our team! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and gain a few tips for your own celebrations along the way.

The More the Merrier

How many family members can you squeeze into your house? If you’re like Claire, the answer is all of them, with room for just one more! Having a large family makes for memorable holidays and an abundance of joy, but Thanksgiving 2018 had a few surprises up its sleeve. Claire’s sister went into labor with her first child, and by midnight, Claire got to add “World’s Best Auntie” to her accreditations and had another reason to be thankful.

When planning a large family gathering, don’t be afraid to delegate and stay flexible. Opt for a potluck spread, or even finger foods to keep things extra simple. You could also suggest Secret Santa gift-giving or a gift exchange to keep things festive without the pressure to buy gifts for the whole extended family.

When Plans Go Awry

For Amy, one of the best parts of the holiday season is picking and decorating a tree with her kids, loved ones, and family members, but she’s learned that things don’t always go according to plan, especially where conifers are concerned. She’s experienced it all: trees that prefer to topple, broken ornaments, and even one tree that didn’t quite make it to Christmas day!

With all of the hustle and bustle and anticipation of the holidays, it’s inevitable that something will go wrong or not live up to our expectations. If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s to focus on what matters and not sweat the small stuff. Practicing gratitude can help keep disappointment from taking over your holidays.

Make Your Own Traditions

Who says traditions have to be traditional? One of Suzanne’s favorite holiday traditions started when she was 8 years old. She and her parents celebrated New Year’s Eve with a fine dining experience at home, complete with homemade menus, an order pad, prime rib, and even pretend credit cards. NYE dinner at “Chez Joulbert” remains a treasured tradition (and you can’t beat the price)!

If you’re looking to put your own spin on the holidays or create a little extra magic for your kids or grandkids, consider harnessing those young imaginations! You’ll end up with a unique family tradition that you can enjoy for years to come.

Savor the Small Moments

Sometimes, it’s the little things that best capture the spirit of the season. One of Morgan’s favorite holiday memories is spending Christmas morning with her nieces and nephews, enjoying her mom’s signature apple muffins hot from the oven.

As you go about the hustle and bustle, make time to slow down and enjoy the quieter moments with the ones you love. Things don’t have to be perfect or elaborate to spark joy.

Keep Family Traditions Alive

For Cecily, it’s not the holidays without the Curtis family’s annual cookie-baking day! She loves gathering with family to spend a whole day baking favorite recipes that have been passed down for generations.

While the holidays are filled with joy, they can also bring a twinge of grief as we notice the absence of loved ones who have passed on. Find small ways to honor their memory, whether through decorations or recipes that have been handed down or by preserving the traditions you shared when they were alive.

Don’t Be Afraid to Simplify!

Sometimes all you need is a happy accident to help you cut down on the busyness of the season. One of Traci’s most memorable holidays was the year she was navigating a move when the only day the movers could come was the day before Thanksgiving! Cooking for Thanksgiving is a feat in and of itself, but if your kitchen is in boxes and you have a toddler and an infant in tow, things go from “challenging” to “time for plan B.” Traci opted to order a traditional meal via takeout, and what could have been a stressful holiday turned into one of the best, most low-key experiences. It was so enjoyable, that they’ve kept up the tradition ever since!

The last thing you need to add to your plate during the holidays is a bunch of stress, pressure to make things “perfect,” and obligations that will prohibit you from enjoying time with the ones you love. We hope you feel the freedom this holiday season to do what works for you, savor every moment, and make lasting memories with your friends and family. We wish you all the best and a very happy holiday season!