Saying goodbye to 2025 feels a little like closing a well‑worn journal. This year was full of lessons, surprises, and moments that shaped me in ways I didn’t always expect. As we step into a new year, I’m excited for the insights, adventures, and growth still ahead. Thank you for walking through 2025 with me. Through the lessons, the surprises, the shifts, and the small wins that added up to something meaningful. Here’s to a beautiful year to come!
I Am Thankful For:
My almost 3 year old grandson explaining volcanoes to me
My grown children aren't just siblings, they are also friends
Christmas cards
Spending the morning Christmas shopping with my husband
An early Christmas gift
Freshly painted nails
A place to get out of the cold
A clean kitchen
Errands done quickly
When it's read to a dog day at the library
New tasks
Something to help me sleep
Dogs in sweatshirts
Making pierogi with my kids
I Am Thankful For:
Christmas shopping with my daughter
A new soup recipe
Planning our holiday get together
Spectacular sunsets
Playing with my dogs
Christmas shopping done
Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
A cup of tea in front of the Christmas tree
My grandson napping with my old teddy bear
Ornaments for my book club
The holiday book club meeting
Remote start on cold mornings
Stocking stuffers
A day with no where to go
I Am Thankful For:
Waking up when it's still dark
Sunrise
Spending the day with my daughter and oldest grandson's
Reading in front of the fireplace
The light of the Christmas tree
Beans on toast
Panthers beat the Rams
Ordering new glasses
Pulled pork
An idea for the perfect gift
Christmas cards
No icy conditions
Texting with my sister
The Grinch
Texting with my niece
Homemade soups
I Am Thankful For:
Family
Friends
33 years of marriage
Christmas trees
Christmas lights
Spending the afternoon with my husband
My home
Rainy days at the library
Sun shining through the morning fog
Memories
A mug of hot tea
Winter birds
I Am Thankful For:
Sleep
Treating myself to a coffee
An "all clear" pathology report
Sunshine
A pot of gumbo
Morning sun lighting the mountain tops
Getting a quick appointment
Antibiotics
Leftovers
A lazy day
Taco soup
Feeling better
A day with my grandson
Coloring
Watching my husband make our grandson laugh
I Am Thankful For:
Catching up with family
A delicious BBQ lunch
The fireplace is completed
A red sky morning
Feeling useful
Comfort foods
Feeling creative
A warm day before the cold moves in
Breakfast with a dear friend
A beautiful sunset
A warm home
When my daughter and grandson stop by
The first snowfall of the season
When the procedure is done
A sushi lunch with my husband
A restful afternoon
My grandfather, my father, and my husband each answered the call with courage and conviction.
Today, I pause to honor them and all who’ve served.
The holiday season, once filled with the excitement of childhood traditions, takes on a new rhythm as children grow into adults. Work schedules, relationships, and new traditions begin to shape how and where we celebrate. These changes can lead to stress, hurt feelings, and resentment. But they don't have to! Navigating the holiday season with adult children requires a blend of flexibility, grace, and a fresh perspective on what togetherness looks like.
Be flexible with your expectations.
For many of us, the holidays have been a time when the whole family gathers under one roof. But as adult children begin to build their own families or share holidays with their partner’s relatives, we may find ourselves needing to adjust our expectations. This may look like sharing time, or having to take turns with which holidays we spend with our grown children. Flexibility is key to keeping the spirit of the season alive. By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing new rhythms, we open the door to holidays that may look different, but still carry the warmth and connection we cherish.
Celebrate from afar through phone or video calls.
When adult children live far away, holiday traditions often need a little creative reimagining. While you may not be able to gather around the same table, technology offers meaningful ways to stay connected and celebrate together. Set aside time for a dedicated holiday video call. Or coordinate your meal times and sit down to share a virtual feast together.
Celebrate at a different time.
Instead of focusing on the exact date or the traditional schedule, try focusing on quality time spent together. A family dinner in early December or a New Year’s brunch can be just as special as Christmas morning. The goal is connection, not perfection. We now share a big family celebration on Christmas eve. This gives our children time to spend Christmas morning opening gifts with their own children or their in-laws.
Encourage your grown children to create their own traditions.
Letting go of "how we've always done things" can be difficult. Especially during the holidays, when traditions can be deeply personal. But giving our adult children the space and freedom to create their own traditions is part of being a parent. This might mean they host their own gatherings, blend traditions with a partner’s family, or start something entirely new. And who knows - some of their new traditions might become cherished parts of our own celebrations too.
By approaching this season with open hearts, flexible expectations, and a spirit of encouragement, we can create space for deeper connection and lasting joy. The holidays may look different than they did years ago, but they still offer us the chance to celebrate love, family, and the beautiful journey of watching our children become who they’re meant to be.
I Am Thankful For:
Halloween slippers
Pumpkin pecan praline coffee
Trick or treaters
Homemade soup
A cozy blanket
Spending my birthday with family
Birthday wishes from far away
Another year ahead of me
An extra hour of sleep
A little self care
Panthers beat the Packers
Earlier sunrises
An unexpected invitation
A new mug for my morning tea
Birthday cards
