Home for the Holidays

Home Where You Belong Host Chip Alford and his dog, Jackson, pose for a Christmas photo in their Chattanooga, TN home.

The second week of December is almost behind us, which means Christmas is less than two weeks away. My dog, Jackson, and I are ready for the celebrations to begin, though he doesn’t exactly seem thrilled about his new holiday party hat.

Being a single person “of a certain age”, I’ve often taken enjoyable solo trips at Christmas to exciting places like Hawaii, Thailand or the California coast. Being near water has always felt comforting and revitalizing, and provided a great way for me to ring in the new year.

In recent years, though, I’ve felt the need to celebrate Christmas with others. Maybe the isolation of COVID took its toll on me, or maybe I’m finally discovering the joy of being home for the holidays. This year, two long-time friends from Florida will be joining me at my home in Chattanooga. I put my tree up early and set out more Christmas decorations than ever before. Prior to their arrival, I’ll host a portion of my neighborhood’s holiday party and join other local friends for a celebratory happy hour.

Christmas, though, is about much more than parties and exchanging gifts. For Christians, it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus, spending time with family and friends, and reflecting on a message of peace and goodwill. Around the same time period, people of other faiths and traditions will be celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. However you celebrate, I hope you enjoy the holiday season and experience a sense of belonging wherever you call home.

All my best,

Chip