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Rethinking holidays heralds new beginnings By Sharon Johnson Dec 25, 2022 12:30 AM A A Every family has its own particular holiday traditions, carved out over the years. For me, the Christmas experience has always involved carol singing, a biblical Christmas reading and a white-tablecloth, sit-down dinner. Once again, this year there will be some of that ... But after much deliberation, our family decided to upend some of what we did previously and break trail on a few totally different celebratory approaches. I think it was in response to my husband’s death in mid-June. First Christmas without him. I wanted to mask a too-vivid recall of almost four decades of my spouse’s tender gifting and not overthink his hearty rendition of “Oh, Tannenbaum.” Our children and grandchildren wanted me to laugh more. We may have gone overboard. Prompted by my son-in-law’s musical inclinations, my grandson’s budding ukulele interest and greatly aided by the karaoke machine my daughter gave the men in her family last year, we are going to loudly sing our way into the new year. A few carols — and more. As my 10-year-old grandson put it: “Let’s rock the house!” In an effort to ensure we do not totally embarrass ourselves (and because I have never done karaoke before), there was a little practice. No one says it, of course, but our family’s musical efforts assuredly will be displayed on somebody’s Facebook or Instagram page. I have seen some of their previous YouTube performances and tapped in my own share of “likes.” Our desire to rethink holiday traditions is not just musical. Instead of an array of cracker and olive appetizers or a sit-down, multicourse meal, the plan is fondue. A total of three bubbling pots: beef/chicken, cheese and strawberry/banana selections. Electric fondue pots for every family — which made the gifting process easier this year. The selection of fondue cookbooks offered up on Amazon was another giving option. They all seem to get a nearly five-star rating. As one cookbook cover put it: “It’s quick; it’s easy; it’s so much fun!” The last time I had fondue, I was a junior in college, living in a dilapidated wooden structure that served as off-campus housing. That fondue-eating moment involved an open flame and a lot of Velveeta cheese. I seem to remember the smoke alarm went off, but that was such a long time ago, I am not even sure they had smoke alarms in those days. I do remember the moment, the conviviality, the laughter. It was indeed “so much fun.” Over this holiday and into the new year, I look forward to more laughter and more than one engaged conversation over a fat strawberry dipped in melty chocolate. I look forward to the joyful smiles on the face of singing grandchildren and soulful vocalizations from one of the three dogs that are ever-present when my family convenes. It will be and has been a different sort of Christmas/New Year’s experience this year. The year ahead will be full of thoughtful, family-centered, new beginnings. Hopefully a year of less divisiveness and more connectedness in our communities and our country — whatever traditions are in play. Happy New Year. Alleluia. Amen. Sharon Johnson is a retired educator. Reach her at [email protected]