A Very Full (and Very Fun) Holiday Season

I kicked off the holiday festivities the best way I know how, surrounded by my best friends. We gathered together for food, Eagles football, and a Secret Santa, and it was everything I needed. Being together with friends I’ve known since childhood, now alongside their little families and all the babies, filled my heart in a way that’s hard to describe. Catching up on life, laughing like no time had passed reminded me just how lucky I am. Those friendships bring a warmth that I’m forever grateful for.

Shortly after that high, the holidays threw me a curveball. I came down with a lovely 12-hour stomach virus that completely rerouted Eric’s and my Christmas plans. He was supposed to head to New Hampshire with his family to visit his brother, but germs had other ideas. To avoid getting sick on the road or taking the germs on tour, he stayed home with me, and just like that, our Christmas Eve plans changed.

And honestly, it turned out to be perfect.

Christmas Eve was spent just the two of us. We made our way into Center City for coffee and a stroll through the Christmas Village at Love Park. Later, we cozied up at home with Chinese takeout, played cards, exchanged gifts, and watched Christmas movies. It was simple, intimate, and incredibly special, one of those moments you don’t realize you’ll cherish forever until you’re living it. Our first Christmas together couldn’t have been more meaningful.

Christmas morning started with breakfast at my grandfather’s. We spent the morning talking about life, and as always, I walked away learning something new about him. Every conversation amazes me. He truly never stops surprising me. From there, Eric and I headed to my brother’s to spend time with his family and my two nephews. My nephew received a giant tractor from Santa this year, and the pure joy on his face was unforgettable. Seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes again is truly out-of-this-world magical.

That night, we wound down on the couch with Eric and Penny, watching yet another Christmas movie. This year’s favorite? The Grinch, of course.

But the holiday madness didn’t stop there. Saturday brought us to New Jersey for the annual Skala Progressive Party, our extended family’s legendary holiday gathering. There were plenty of drinks, shots, amazing food, cigars, and lots of conversations about the year ahead. I love how close we are with our extended family, great aunts and uncles, first, second, and third cousins, however that math works. Afterward, a few of us ended the night at our family bar for, you guessed it, more drinks. If there was a theme this holiday season, it was definitely alcohol.

Sunday took us to NYC to visit Eric’s family. We spent the evening drinking wine, watching football, and chatting the night away. On Monday, we headed home, but not before making a very necessary stop at the bakery.

Next up was New Year’s Eve. We celebrated close to home, surrounded by friends, with lots of food, drinks, drinking games, and karaoke. I was in my element. The hosts had everyone dress in black-tie attire, paired perfectly with cozy slippers. Fancy and comfortable was a dream. It was the perfect way to ring in the new year.

New Year’s Day brought us back to the family bar in NJ, once again surrounded by family and plenty of drinks. The following Friday, we finally celebrated Christmas with my sister, my best friend, and her kids. My nephew and niece completely melted my heart, especially when they gifted me my new favorite sweatshirt, “Auntie Dev.”

We officially closed out the holiday season with the Drumm family gathering at Pop Pop’s. As expected, there was lots of food, drinks, and shots, followed by a Secret Santa. And yes, Eric and I definitely won. We walked away with a Star Wars popcorn bucket complete with popcorn, espresso martini Cutwaters, and barware. But who’s keeping track?

It was busy. It was hectic. It was filled with love, laughter, and memories I’ll hold onto forever. And now, after all of that, I can confidently say I won’t be drinking any alcohol for a long time, at least a week.

I’m ready to sleep for days before starting my new job and really tackling 2026 head-on.

Cheers to the holidays, until next year.

-D