Yes, Mr. Dupuis, I quite agree, holidays without family are not the same (see Pique, Dec. 20, “Home for the holidays”). This fall, my wife and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with a trans-Canada VIA Rail trip. Thanksgiving arrived with a family celebration involving all 19 of us. It was nice having everyone assembled. Next holiday up, Christmas.
Then the realization happened, all four of our kids were doing other things on Christmas for the first time in 59 years. Yikes, 59 years and we were “home alone!” in Bellingham, Wash., (B.C.’s home for Costco gas and Trader Joe’s). My wife and I decided we were not going to sit “home alone,” and so we find ourselves here in Whistler, B.C. for Christmas.
I have to admit, it really sucks opening our Christmas gifts, Christmas morn, in a hotel room, with just the two of us looking on. We will get by and the family will reassemble on New Year’s Day, so all is not lost—but yes, Mr. Dupuis, holidays without family really are not holidays!
