I personally like to see my friends at least once a month. Being with them is always a vacation or holiday, no matter what season it is. But adulting is really hard, and around the holidays, schedules get a bit hectic with so much going on, and some of my friends are too far away. Some may ask, “How can I make time for everyone in my life? I’m only one person.” The one tip I can give is I try to see everyone and not leave anyone out. Mostly, if I’m traveling, I’ll try to make what I call “Friend stops,” so I can spend one day on a road trip and go to each friend for a visit. I will have breakfast with one friend, then brunch, shortly after coffee, tea, a snack, and my last stop is dinner. I’m very full after this trip, to say the least. I drop a present off to each of them and have a warm chat with each group. I know my friends wish we could have longer, but they also have kids and activities to attend to, so they are always understanding and appreciate my efforts. This little trick also gives me a really fun day to look forward to and plan out.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. It is a time when people come together to create lasting memories and strengthen their bonds with loved ones. One common phenomenon during this time is the tendency for individuals to wait until the holidays to see their friends. In my blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this tradition and the significance it holds for many.

Nostalgia and Tradition

The holidays evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition. It is a time when people reminisce about past celebrations and the cherished moments spent with friends. Waiting for the holidays to see friends allows individuals to relive those memories and create new ones, adding to the tapestry of their shared experiences. Some people have their big event on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Some celebrate the holiday on the exact date. I know some of my friends and family go get a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and make cookies.

Schedules and Priorities

In our fast-paced lives, it can be challenging to find time for socializing and maintaining friendships. Work, family commitments, and personal responsibilities often take the front seat. However, the holidays provide a break from the usual routine, offering a window of opportunity to reconnect with friends. It becomes a priority to carve out time during this festive season to nurture those relationships. Kids have breaks, and parents sometimes take their PTO to spend time with them and take a holiday break to visit family and friends afar.

Sharing holiday activities with friends

The holidays bring with them a plethora of shared traditions and activities. From decorating the Christmas tree to exchanging gifts, there is a sense of camaraderie and joy in participating in these rituals together. Waiting for the holidays to see friends allows for the full immersion in these traditions, enhancing the bond and creating a sense of belonging. I remember making snow angels in the yard with my brother and cousins as a kid, then coming in with my frostbitten hands and getting a warm hot chocolate, and me and my brother would decorate the tree. He always picked out the trees, and they were so amazing, and we would proudly all tell him how beautiful the tree was. Then we would eat sugar cookies and watch movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life.

Distance and Travel

In today’s globalized world, friends often live far apart due to various life circumstances. The holidays provide an occasion for individuals to travel and reunite with friends who may be scattered across different cities or even countries. The anticipation of seeing long-distance friends during this special time adds an extra layer of excitement and meaning to the holiday season. My brother lives in California, and I’m on the East Coast, so I am really looking forward to this Christmas to meet his new baby and my first niece.

Emotional Significance

The holidays are a time of heightened emotions, where feelings of love, gratitude, and joy are amplified. Seeing friends during this time allows for the expression of these emotions in a shared space. It provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds, offer support, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Waiting for the holidays to see friends is a tradition rooted in nostalgia, shared experiences, and the desire for connection. It allows individuals to prioritize their friendships, immerse themselves in shared traditions, and create meaningful memories. As we approach the holiday season, let us embrace the joy of reconnecting with friends and celebrate the power of friendship during this special time.