scijessreads

The holidays start to take on a different meaning when you get older. Especially when you get older and have to make decisions for yourself, rather than rely on others to make them for you. Almost every year since I’ve moved away from home, I’ve made it back to visit family during the Christmas holidays. I think I’ve only missed twice in the last 20 years. This year is going to be another year that I miss.

Holiday travel is expensive, even more so when you have pets to consider. Last year, I manage to drive, but it takes two full days to do that, and that means four total vacation days are spent in my car. Driving. A lot.

This year, between a whole lot of unexpected expenses and a shorter holiday time frame, I made the bummer decision to not make the trip. Right now, there are plans to go out at Spring Break in March, when it will be easier to travel and further away from these large expenses that are about to drain my bank account.

I will miss the traditions that my parents and I have set in place over the last dozen years. The Christmas dinner of prime rib and twice baked potatoes with lots of cheese. The morning where dad makes coffee and we all sit and open stockings and presents. The visiting family (which I will especially miss this year since we just lost my Grandpa, and this will be the first Christmas without him). Seeing the mountains, that always seem to recharge me. Missing the central coast trip with my mom that we do every time I visit home.

I will miss all of this, but I will have a chance to spend time here, to finally get a break. I have plans to go hiking with the pup, something I haven’t really done since last year. Maybe another trip to the Magnolia Silos, which are nearby, to see the holiday decorations and do some small amount of holiday shopping. Explore some of the smaller towns around the area (like Wimberly) and just get out again. I haven’t done a lot of exploring in the last year, and I kinda miss it. So, I’m using this change in plans as a chance to “vacation” in my own town and surrounding areas. To take the time to just wander and reconnect.

It may not be a typical holiday, but it will be fun. I’m looking forward to getting a tree and hanging lights, something I don’t really do when I am away for the holiday. I can still call home, and I will be able to make my own “traditions” for when I can’t get away for holidays. And that is something to be thankful for. The ability to be on my own, and yet still feel the love of my family from far away.