What do the holidays mean to you?
Holidays, for me, are about connection. Sometimes this means connecting to myself on a solo trip, and other times it means connecting with my family or friends.
This year, I decided it was about family connection. I booked a last minute flight home and surprised my parents.
Similar to most of you, I spent Wednesday in transit. For me, that means traveling cross-country to South Carolina, where my family rented a beach house in Charleston. Someone told me that 4 million people were expected to fly through LAX on Wednesday and good lord, did it feel that way.
I can’t say I was looking forward to a day of travel on one of the busiest days of the year, but it’s a small price to pay to spend time with this face.
As I boarded my first plane, I realized I left my headphones at home. Panic ensued. Then, I realized this was one of those planes where there are no TVs and you’re supposed to download an app to watch their entertainment. Great, so I couldn’t even use the shitty airline headphones they give you. Luckily, I travel like I have a 4 year old in tow — my bag filled with books, crossword puzzles, my journal, magazines and so many snacks.
My first thought was, “ok, great I’ll just drown myself in my distractions and eventually I’ll be in Charleston.”. But then I took a beat and looked around. I started listening (err, is it eavesdropping if you’re on a plane? TBD.) to the conversations happening around me.
First, there was a brother and sister in their 70s, discussing which tradition was their favorite — sister: her husband taking the family out for a morning walk on Thanksgiving morning; brother: making their mom’s sweet potato pie recipe. Then, I caught a woman behind me telling her neighbor they are testing out a few new traditions, after a rough last year in her family.
Soon after, the flight attendant asked for our attention to do the safety instructions, but instead asked us “what are you most excited for this holiday?” About 10 different people gave their answers — everything from a break from work to spending the holiday alone to reflect and relax.
The couple in front of me made friends with the woman sitting next to them and spent the whole flight immersed in conversation. I chatted quickly with the woman next to me about her white boots (that I’ve been wanting for years) and she shared how she is missing her boyfriend, since he is visiting his family in France.
Maybe it’s the extrovert in me, maybe it’s the “cheer” of the holiday season, but these interactions felt extra sweet.
Once I touched down in Charlotte for a (yayyyy 4 hour) layover, I was already warmed up from the flight conversations that I decided I was the Thanksgiving elf. I made conversation with the mom flying solo with her 3 kids, the cashier at Hudson News, and of course, a really sweet puppy. Again, everyone was in the BEST mood, even after our delays were announced. All of this reminds me how a little positive interaction can cause a ripple effect.
All of this would have been lost on me if I had those headphones. I would have popped them in my ears when I got in the Uber to LAX and wouldn’t have taken them out until I was in Charleston. Therefore, losing so many opportunities for connection...my whole purpose of this holiday.
What are the holidays about for you this year?
