This used to be one of the biggest party nights of the year. It kicked off the holiday season, and we always spent it in our friend Bob’s apartment overlooking Washington Park, where his gregarious collection of friends and relatives provided a happy and convivial atmosphere for good times to come. For many years, this was our tradition, and when Bob moved I begged and pleaded for him to keep it going, which he did for a bit, but eventually he got out of the party game – a trendsetter for the dying tradition.
At first I missed them – the parties, and the people, and the chance to reconvene just as the most wonderful time of the year was getting started. It was a tradition that had become comfortable, that allowed for a brief bit of drinking and debauchery to varying degrees, which we would then feed and quell the next day at Thanksgiving dinner.
After a few years, however, I understood Bob’s giving up the party ghost. It was a lot, and I can’t imagine being saddled with the clean-up following a party on a day like Thanksgiving. Tonight, I remember those days, and I celebrate the traditions we have now.
For instance, today I made the traditional candied yams, as well as this new pumpkin tres leches cake, and a couple of dips for appetizers. Andy made a last-minute supermarket run, and then we were both in for the night by 8 PM. We watched a bit of the ‘A Christmas Story’ and now I find myself writing this good-night post in the attic while the light of a few candles flickers cozily nearby.
Twenty years ago, we’d just be arriving at the party at such an hour, the chill of the evening only partly kept at bay by whatever fanciful coat I found to display. Now I’ve traded in my velvet jacket for a sleeveless sweatshirt and shorts, and it’s a trade-off that feels surprisingly good.
For all you revelers still carrying the torch, party on friends – be safe, be yourself, and be sure to enjoy every moment.
Back to Blog
