Touchstone for the Holidays

I was reminiscing recently about what Thanksgiving means for my family and I realized … things that are constant have a certain appeal. Change is inevitable, in fact, it is what makes life exciting and challenging. Imagine if nothing ever changed and every day was exactly the same. It wouldn’t take long for the masses to go screaming into the night. But once in a while it feels very much like a touchstone when certain things are always the same. That is how it is at my house on Thanksgiving.

There are some years that the house fills to over 20 plus people and other years it might be only 6 or 7. This is because my family is grown and they have other obligations. When we are all together the house is not only full of love but it is just plain full. Elbow to elbow we share our blessings and our challenges. Everyone grows and changes. New members are added to the family as some are no longer in our lives. It is always a very exciting time when a new baby is coming for their very first Thanksgiving.

Although we experience many changes during our day-to-day life one fact remains constant. Thanksgiving dinner will always be at my home. Never later than 5am a huge turkey will go into the oven stuffed with a mouth watering dressing. This is the constant that makes Thanksgiving a touchstone at my home. Everyone knows no matter what their plans are or even if their plans change at the last minute (perhaps due to the weather) there will always be a warm turkey ready by 1pm and enough food for all.

The holidays are wonderful and stressful at the same time. Finding your touchstone can be your anchor in a sea of activity!

Where is your touchstone for the holidays?  Where do you have an anchor? If nothing comes to mind for you then perhaps you can be the start of a touchstone for others. Start a tradition that others can always count on. It might be as simple as tea and cookies are served at your home on Christmas Eve or your neighborhood will always have a holiday block party. Whatever it is, my wish for you is to enjoy your holiday season. Create stability (joyful touchstones)for yourself and others!

Judith Geiger, ACC
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