Well, Thanksgiving 2025 is in the books. The consumption of the turkey, fixings, and the dessert is history. For me, it is the official start of the holiday season.

While some people have already decorated their homes for Christmas, I have a hard, steadfast rule: Thanksgiving first! I keep the pumpkins, the mums, and the fall decorations out (I even have an inflatable turkey that is quite whimsical).

Kitchen Disasters

This year I have been thinking of holidays past and family who are no longer with us. In my memory bank, I recall kitchen disKasters that were funny then and are still funny today. Like the time my mom made pumpkin pies and accidently added garlic salt. We ate the pies – we knew better than to waste them! To be fair, my mom was born in 1920 and grew up in the depression era. Being of Polish descent, she could absolutely make something out of virtually nothing.

Cousin Chris

I also recall the time my cousin Chirs hosted Thanksgiving dinner (holidays were his favorite thing). We kept peeking in the oven waiting for the pop-up timer to signal that the turkey was done. It was taking an extraordinarily long time to pop. At this point, we discovered that the oven was set to “warm”. Then came the hearty laugh. Chris always made the best of the situation. And, so we sat watching It’s a Wonderful Life, then onto A Christmas Story….and patiently waited for the turkey to be done.

Despite his multiple health issues, he found time to cook, bake, shop, and pick out the most unique presents.

Despite his multiple health issues, Chris still found time to cook, bake, shop, and participate in and direct plays with the local theatre arts guild of which he co-founded. He played Herr Drosselmeyer in the local production of The Nutcracker . He put in countless hours assuring the costumes and the sets were just right, all this in addition to acting and directing. I could go on about his many accomplishments. I will just say, his energy was truly amazing with all the health challenges he faced.

Chis lived in a Victorian style home that he decorated with a festive flair, every window (and there were many) lit up with sleighs, reindeer, bells, and a multitude of other Christmas themed decorations. The porch and trees surrounding his property all glittered with the lights of Christmas. His electric bill had to be outrageous. But….Chris celebrated life and he truly lived larger than life!

Chris passed away in 2007 at the age of 56 from complications of diabetes. So, the next time I choose to focus on my sorrows, I think of Chris and count all the blessings in my life. He lived life with a zest, zeal, and energy that would exhaust a healthy person. I know he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Chris’ memory lives on, especially this time of year…I celebrate with the same joy as he did.

Cheers to you Chis and thanks for the memories.