I love having friends over and entertaining! I know it’s a ton of work but I still enjoy doing it…even when I’m elbow deep in kitchen sink bubbles and dishes once everyone has left! This has always been the case, for as long as I can remember, but it’s also what makes being away from family so much more tolerable during the holiday seasons year after year.
I grew up in a very close family. I’m the oldest of four and my mom was one of six children in her family. It was a very typically Midwestern experience in that we got the big extended family together for most holidays. I’ve spent time in my grandma’s house now that I’m an adult and I can’t even remember how we fit so many people in there for Thanksgiving or Christmas or Easter! Those were some of my favorite memories though, growing up alongside our cousins. It makes me sad that JT doesn’t have the same experience that I had as a child, but he doesn’t know any better.
What I do really cherish now in adulthood are my friendships and when you can’t easily travel back home for the holidays, those friendships become even more important. One of my favorite ways to spend time with my friends is to invite them over for a meal. I really enjoy my time in the kitchen cooking recipes I’m familiar with and sharing something new with my loved ones. I love the look on their face as they nibble on my famous chocolate chip cookies or dig into a slice of homemade lasagna.
Building friendships has never been easy for me. I like to call myself a recovering introvert because it’s still a struggle for me to speak up in a crowd of strangers. Moving all over the country for my ex-husband’s military career helped me to get over that a little faster. As we were constantly on the go, it was hard to lay roots anywhere so being able to make friends quickly and easily became what I had to do. Along with the moving, it also meant that I traveled home less to see family and learned to enjoy the holidays amongst friends.
Caring for others has always been something I did rather effortlessly. It just feels like it’s always been in my DNA to make sure that everyone around me is happy and satisfied in order to fulfill myself. It’s taken me quite a while to rearrange that equation and prioritize my own needs. Entertaining and cooking always provided me with such joy from the endless gratitude my friends shared that it was worth it. They are my loved ones since I don’t have family close by.
Many of us may not be spending this holiday season with family like we have in years past. Typically the holiday season is the busiest travel season of the year and I don’t know that it will be the case this year. Rather than sulk in sadness, remember the loved ones more near than far, and make time to spend with them. You’ll both benefit from it.
For more holiday inspiration, check out my list of Easy and Delicious Recipe Ideas for Christmas Dinner Side Dishes, on the Zulily blog!