Thanksmas

In 2021, my family invited my mother and sister to our house for Thanksgiving. This occasion stood apart from any previous celebrations in our family history, imbued with both grief and optimism. With Dad having passed away recently and my sister going through a divorce, Ericka and I reached out to invite them for the holiday. We recognized that this gathering represented much more than a simple festive event, rather it served as a space for healing, where we could unite, share our experiences, provide solace, and forge new memories amidst significant changes. That year, we also introduced a new tradition by celebrating Christmas Day right after Thanksgiving, affectionately dubbing it "Thanksmas." This blend of Thanksgiving’s warmth and gratitude with Christmas’s festive joy allows us to prolong the sense of togetherness and generosity, making the holiday season feel especially magical and meaningful. Thanksmas is not merely the fusion of two holidays, but rather a fresh way to honor family, thankfulness, and love simultaneously.

2021

The first tradition of Thanksmas centers around the beautiful concept of collective responsibility and unity, where every participant contributes a specific dish to the festive meal. This method not only eases the burden of cooking but also infuses the dinner table with creativity and individuality, as each person prepares a dish from our childhood holiday meals. Ericka and I consistently take charge of preparing the roasted turkey along with other main courses, such as creamy mashed potatoes paired with homemade gravy. Although my sister Pam isn’t particularly skilled in the kitchen, she still plays a valuable role by bringing all the necessary ingredients for a classic side dish, ensuring her unique contribution to our feast. While she prefers to avoid lengthy cooking sessions, her careful preparation and cooperative spirit make the experience enjoyable and relaxed for everyone. However, the star attraction that draws unanimous attention is Mom’s renowned homemade pies which are an essential centerpiece of our shared celebration. Crafted with loving care from scratch, featuring a flaky golden crust and perfectly balanced, seasonally inspired fillings, her pies transcend mere desserts; they embody warmth, tradition, and the spirit of family unity. More than the dishes alone, this custom promotes teamwork and conversation within the kitchen, providing moments to bond over chopping, mixing, and exchanging culinary tips. By the time the meal is ready to be served, it represents far more than nourishment; it stands as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, togetherness, and the joy found in creating something meaningful as a family.

After Thanksgiving, we seamlessly transition from one delightful celebration to the next as we eagerly dive into the Christmas season. To signify the change, we toss up some Christmas decorations to highlight the festive atmosphere, before the whole family gathers in the living room for a lively and enjoyable gift exchange. This beloved custom serves as a bridge between generations, fostering moments of happiness and unity through the careful selection of presents tailored to each individual's tastes. It’s truly heartwarming to observe my children thoughtfully choosing gifts for their aunt and Grandma, while Pam and Mom consult me for ideas suited to my Generation Z kids. Their gifts consistently blend the fresh insights of youth with the refined preferences and wisdom of the adults. This meaningful sharing not only brings smiles but also ignites conversations that close the generational divide, deepening mutual understanding and reinforcing family ties. Every gift, carefully wrapped, goes beyond its physical form to represent love, connection, and the unique way our family respects tradition while adapting to evolving preferences through the generations.

2022

Amid the festive cheer, we also arrange themed family photographs to capture the season’s warmth and togetherness. Every year, I force my children, mother, sister, and wife into themed Thanksmas outfits to take a family picture. What began as a playful idea to combine Thanksgiving gratitude with Christmas joy has grown into a highly anticipated tradition that highlights our creativity and humor. From coordinated t-shirts to intricate holiday onesies, each year’s costumes narrate a fresh tale celebrating our family’s special bond.  Although convincing everyone to participate sometimes requires a bit of negotiation (and perhaps a few bribes), the blend of delight and reluctant amusement evident in our candid photos makes the photoshoot my favorite holiday moment. These Thanksmas-themed pictures have evolved into treasured mementos that preserve not only our whimsical attire but also the warmth, love, and traditions that bind us closely year after year.

Last year, aiming to make gift-giving more affordable, meaningful, and enjoyable, we chose to explore the charm of second-hand shopping for all our Thanksmas presents. Scouring thrift stores, online marketplaces, and vintage shops turned the usually stressful hunt into a delightful treasure hunt, sparking creativity and thoughtfulness with each find. Not only did this approach significantly reduce the overall cost, but it also added a unique, personal touch to every gift. Because every item held its own story, history, and character, giving these found treasures made the gesture feel much more heartfelt. Our eco-conscious choice encouraged us to think creatively and select gifts that genuinely matched the recipient’s personality and interests, demonstrating that a gift’s true worth lies not in its cost but in the care and effort behind it. By embracing second-hand gifts, our Thanksmas celebration was enriched with surprises, stories, and a sense of sustainability.

2023

With Thanksmas drawing near this year, the festive spirit fills the atmosphere, prompting me to search through thrift shops and Facebook Marketplace in pursuit of ideal presents. There’s a special thrill in scrolling through Marketplace on my phone until I discover just the right gift for Mom or Pam. After placing a bid and winning the item, I hop into Lady G, enter the address on Google Maps, and travel across town to retrieve my latest find. At the same time, Pam and I have agreed that this year’s photo theme will be ugly sweaters, so I’m on a mission to find the most outrageous sweaters to impose on my somewhat reluctant wife and kids. Whether featuring blinking lights, quirky designs, or tacky holiday images, each gaudy knit will inject a lively dash of character into our festive photo. Juggling the excitement of gift hunting alongside organizing our offbeat family portrait keeps me energized with holiday cheer as I prepare myself for our fifth consecutive Thanksmas celebration.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I feel that familiar mix of anticipation and comfort that only Thanksmas can bring. This tradition, born from necessity and nurtured through love, has blossomed into a beacon of connection for our family, reminding us that even amid life’s uncertainties, togetherness can shine brightly. I look forward to the laughter that will erupt as we all slip on our outrageous sweaters, the stories exchanged over shared meals, and the warm smiles captured in our quirky photo. Each Thanksmas is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable bonds we cherish, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful holidays aren’t found in perfect customs but in the imperfect, heartfelt moments we create together. This year, as I wrap up the carefully chosen second-hand gifts and prepare for our colorful photo shoot, I am filled with gratitude and hope – ready to make new memories that will carry us through whatever the future holds.

2024