Festive Gatherings: Welcoming Friends and Family for the Holidays

A young international student from abroad, staying with us in New York City's suburbs, is full of wit and brings joy with his presence.

Recently, he hesitantly asked if a friend could join our Thanksgiving dinner, his seriousness catching me off guard. Without missing a beat, I told him yes, playfully chiding him for doubting I'd enjoy extra company around the holidays.

Long-Distance Family Ties

Over the past two decades, I've only spent three Christmases with my family. This is something R might understand if they've experienced similar immigrant challenges.

Ever since 2005, a vast 3,000 miles has separated me from my family in the UK after I relocated to the US. In this time, we've gathered for Christmas merely thrice, twice in England and once during a skiing bonanza in Vermont.

The Strain of It All

My husband’s family also lives far on the West Coast, leaving us with few holidays spent with extended family from either side.

Typically, our Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings included just four of us: my spouse, our two kids, and me, making the events feel overly routine and lacking in genuine cheer at times.

As our celebrations progressed, post-feast or after unwrapping presents, the days felt indistinguishable from any other.

Our children would start quarreling in boredom, and I’d find myself feeling distant as my husband watched football—a pastime I never enjoyed.

A New Outlook from 2020

The year 2020 brought unforeseen changes due to the pandemic, but it presented opportunities we never considered.

Our family gained a new member, an au pair from Chile, expanding our celebrations. This inspired us to embellish our home with festive decorations and holiday customs.

Transforming Festive Dynamics

That November, our Thanksgiving table was set for seven, with guests including our au pair's close friend and a colleague coping with pandemic restrictions.

As dinner concluded, a second coworker and a friend's son unexpectedly joined, enhancing the setting with spontaneity.

Our group of nine brought unique experiences, stories, and laughter, captivating the children who were too absorbed to fuss, and we even indulged in playful games like charades.

The More, The Merrier

That Thanksgiving was a highlight I yearned to recreate. Now, each holiday, we embrace the company of as many friends and acquaintances as our home can accommodate.

Hosting intimate family-only gatherings is a thing of the past, and I eagerly anticipate the arrival of our newest guest this coming week.