Today marks the first day of celebrating Christmas in my family. My core Ohio family unit–brother, mother, and I–went out for a special breakfast this morning, and exchanged cards and presents when we were done eating. I got a book I’d been wanting very badly, plus a gift card so I could buy a higher-end 2026 calendar. Add to that some sweet and hilarious Christmas cards, and it was a great day.

Tomorrow, Christmas Eve, will be the second day of celebrations. One of my best friends invited me and my brother to an afternoon at her house with her family. Even though we’ve known each other for years, this will be the first Christmas where I spend it with her husband, kids, and extended family. I’m not sure how much of her family will attend–it is a sizeable group–but I’m sure it will be fun and filled with good food.

Thursday, Christmas night, will be the last Christmas celebration, where my brother and I will head out of town (slightly) to visit our extended relatives–cousins, great aunt, great uncle, etc. My cousin has to work Christmas Day, so that’s why we’re having Christmas dinner together instead of late Christmas morning, like we had in the past.

I’m writing about these celebrations not to brag, but to point out a milestone: I have a mood disorder (bipolar I) and I tend to go into seasonal depressions very deeply around this time of year. It’s harder this Christmas, too, because we have family that didn’t make it to this Christmas to celebrate it this time. So, it’s hard not to get a little gloomy. Usually I become irritable or cry, and refuse to want to do anything.

So I’m sharing these with you to point out that for the first time in forever…

…(lol) I have actually agreed to go out and do things. I’m moving outside of my comfort level to be social with family and friends. After years of just brushing people off during the holidays, this is a big deal to me.

I would be remiss not to mention the day after Christmas, though. Ever since my brother and I had moved to Asia (me Japan, he Korea), we have been choosing Jackbox Game Nights once a month, and we are still doing this as a tradition even though we’re all back stateside now. Friday the 26th will be a post-Christmas family night where we will do Jackbox together, connecting to each other through Zoom from across many state lines.

So, three Christmases, and four nights of fun. I am so grateful that I haven’t had my mood ruin the holiday spirit, and that I’ll actually be with friends and family for the first time in ages.

If at all possible–and it’s ok if it’s not–have a happy holiday(s), everyone!