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Enjoy the Holidays

by Ken Abrahams

There may be no time of year more stressful than the holidays. Pressure seems to come from every direction. No sooner have you packed away the Halloween decorations—and dealt with the leftover candy—than it’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, and more. By early October, our local farm was already sending out reminders to reserve turkeys, and Target had its aisles stocked with Christmas cards and wrapping paper.

For many, Thanksgiving dinner alone is a stress fest. Will the turkey turn out right—or end up rare or bone dry? Will everyone like the side dishes? Did you remember to defrost the bird early enough, or will you be running warm water over it on Thanksgiving morning while silently praying it thaws in time? Then there’s the juggling act of oven space and timing—trying to keep the rolls warm while the sweet potatoes threaten to burn, the green bean casserole bubbles over, and someone forgets the cranberry sauce in the fridge. There’s always that moment when the smoke alarm decides to chime in, or when you realize the gravy has gone lumpy and someone’s dog has stolen a roll off the table. And if you’re preparing a dish that someone else always made, the pressure to live up to their version can make you sweat more than the oven.

But funny enough, those are often the stories we remember most. No one talks years later about the perfectly browned turkey—they talk about the one that caught fire, the mashed potatoes that somehow became soup, or the time someone dropped the pie but served it anyway. Those little disasters have a way of becoming family legends, the kind of stories that get retold around the table and make everyone laugh until they cry. The chaos, in its own way, is part of the charm.

The holidays often bring extended family together—sometimes the only time all year. Growing up, after my grandmother passed, our family gathered for Thanksgiving each year. It was a four- or five-day marathon of meals, laughter, and, yes, the occasional comment about my weight. Still, I miss those days. When my grandfather passed, that tradition faded. My cousins and I began our own family celebrations, but I do miss the warmth of those big gatherings. These days, other than the occasional family event, we rarely see much of the extended family anymore.

I understand how stressful the holidays can be—it’s not just about cooking. Between social commitments, work obligations, and financial strain, it’s easy to lose sight of what this season truly means. For some, it’s the last push to meet year-end goals; for others, it’s balancing generosity with financial reality. Somewhere along the line, many of us forgot that the holidays are really about connection and gratitude.

Over time, I’ve learned to focus on family and friends. We spend Christmas Eve at my mother-in-law’s house, then fly out at dawn on Christmas Day to celebrate with my youngest son and his girlfriend, who also happens to have a Christmas birthday. While they visit her family, my wife and I start dinner prep. Later, we all finish cooking together. At 65, I have few wants and even fewer needs. These moments of togetherness are the best gifts I could ask for.

Life moves fast these days—too fast. We rarely stop to breathe and simply enjoy the moment. I’m trying to do more of that. There are times I wish I could go back and talk with my mom, grandparents, uncles, and cousins—some who have passed away and others I just don’t get to see as often as I’d like. Since I can’t turn back time, I’m choosing to make the most of the time I have now—to laugh, celebrate, and make new memories.

When the stress starts to build, take a breath. Remember what’s important: the friends, family, and coworkers who enrich your life and make this season special. Wishing you a bright, joyful, and peaceful 2025 holiday season.