Girls Night In
For as many years as I can remember, my circle of high school girlfriends have taken turns hosting our annual Christmas celebration by rotating based on last names. Due to Covid, the friend scheduled to hold this year’s gathering wasn’t comfortable hosting and asked if anyone had any ideas. I offered to take the lead since I had an idea I thought would work out perfectly. Ideas started flowing and before I knew, it was coming together.
Since the celebration needed to be virtual, I decided to host a friendship celebration pajama party. I thought it would be a fun way to gather and be comfortable wearing our favorite jammies, without makeup or fancy cloths; just a bunch of girls having fun. We enjoyed cocktails, popcorn and favorite snacks.
After a few tech issues were resolved we had a great time, telling stories, favorite traditions and memories, both past and present. We laughed and remembered tales of our childhoods. One girl had remembered she found and unwrapped all her presents one year. I also told of the same experience I had with my sister; we found and unwrapped and then rewrapped all the presents. It was the worst Christmas ever. We ruined the surprise, took away the magic, and vowed to never do it again.
The evening was filled with laughter as well as tender moments of loved ones that had passed. For the silly portion of the evening, we did a facial mask together. Each mask was unfolded and carefully placed upon our faces being strategically careful with the nose, mouth and eye openings. They were sort of gooey, wet and cooling to the touch. For the next 15 minutes we chatted and laughed until it was time to remove the masks. We may have looked goofy, but it was great fun.
Our celebration ended with a beautiful prayer for 2020, 2021, family and friendship. In this season of uncertainty and change, look for ways to celebrate that meet people where they are. Even though we weren’t able to be together in person, we were able to connect virtually. It was a fantastic girl’s night in. What new ways will you be celebrating with family and friends? Wishing you peace, hope, and love this holiday season.
xoxox…..Sheryl
Here’s a toast to my girlfriends (authors unknown):
There is no problem that girlfriends cannot:
confront, combat, plot against, ignore, make fun of, drown in chocolate and wine, or run over with a car.
To those who have seen us at our best and seen us at our worst and can’t tell the difference.
Here’s to staying positive and testing negative!
Cheers to friendship and to us!