I Just Really Wanna Go Home for Christmas

Summary

The author deeply desires to spend Christmas at home with family despite the challenges faced this year, reflecting on the changes and losses experienced, and expresses gratitude for the support found within the Medium community.

Abstract

The author, a transplant to Portland, Oregon, from Rockville, Indiana, conveys a profound longing to return home for Christmas after a year of being unable to visit due to work and COVID-19 related issues. This yearning is intensified by the recent loss of family members, including a sister's husband to cancer and the absence of their grandmother who passed at 104 without meeting a great-grandchild. Despite the cancellation of family gatherings like Thanksgiving and the postponement of Christmas plans due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the author remains hopeful and is thankful for the Medium community's support, which has provided solace during this difficult time.

Opinions

The author values family traditions and togetherness, especially during the holidays.
There is a sense of sadness and nostalgia for the way life was expected to unfold, contrasting with the reality of family size decreasing.
The author reflects on the profound impact of the past year, which has brought a lot to contemplate and figure out.
The author did not anticipate the difficulty of not being able to return home and is deeply affected by the separation.
There is an appreciation for the support and community found on Medium, which has been a source of encouragement and hope.
The author extends wishes for a safe and spirit-filled Christmas to the readers, emphasizing the importance of love and support during the holiday season.

A Christmas like never before

Last year, I wrote an article that actually won an award titled I Don’t Want To Go Home For Christmas. That’s a lot more catchy than wanting to go home. But it’s always easier to want what you don’t have.

I love being at home. Being with my family. Enjoying holidays together. I just don’t like how much life hasn’t turned out how we thought… how we went from 5 of us to 6 when my sister got married and back to 5 after he tragically died of cancer. Families are supposed to grow, not shrink. And last year was also the first year without our grandmother, the last of our living grandparents. She lived to 104 but somehow we weren’t able to give her a great-grandbaby.

But alas, this past year has brought us a lot… a lot of everything. A lot to think about. A lot to contemplate and a lot to figure out.

And after our family Thanksgiving was canceled due to me not being able to get off of work and my dad testing positive for COVID, I’d want nothing more than to see my family for the holidays, and yet my dad continued testing positive to COVID causing us to postpone our Christmas plans as well.

When I moved to Portland, Oregon, I never wanted to be that child who just leaves his hometown (Rockville, Indiana) and never comes back. I wanted to stay active in my community and with my family and by and large, I have been able to. But it’s been a year since I have been able to get back there.

And the way things are looking, who knows how much longer it will be.

I never took it for granted when I could get home for the holidays, but this year more than ever, I really just wish I could be home for Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone! May it be a safe and full in the spirit of the holiday season for you no matter where you are or who you are with.

I know we are a small community (here on Medium) in the greater scheme of things but I am certainly thankful for each of you. Writing, reading, and sharing on this platform has given me much needed support, encouragement, and hope during this challenging season of life. I hope you feel that same love and support this holiday season! ❤️🎄