Hey Dana Jane

Tag: holidays

  • Goodbye, 2024: Don’t Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out!

    Ah, 2024. You were the year that felt like a bad blind date—full of potential but ultimately a rollercoaster of awkward moments, challenges, and a few surprising victories. Honestly, I don’t know whether to toast to your departure or send you a therapy bill. But here we are, staring down the barrel of a shiny new year. And you know what? I’m feeling… optimistic. (Well, cautiously optimistic. Let’s not tempt fate.)

    Let’s start with the obvious: 2024 was hard. There were days that felt like the universe had set its alarm clock to “chaos” and hit snooze repeatedly. Maybe your plans got derailed. Maybe you faced loss, setbacks, or a growing list of things you swore you’d figure out by July but didn’t even touch. If 2024 were a workout, it was the kind that leaves you sore in places you didn’t even know existed.

    And yet, here we are. We’re still standing. A little bruised? Sure. A little weary? Definitely. But standing nonetheless. So, as we wave goodbye to the year that was, let’s take a moment to celebrate the small wins, the lessons learned, and the fact that we kept going even when it felt impossible.

    Now, as we tiptoe into 2025—like someone testing the waters of a suspiciously cold pool—let’s talk about what we want this year to look like. Personally, I’m shooting for something between “mildly chaotic” and “shockingly productive.” But beyond resolutions and goal-setting, I think the most important thing we can bring into the new year is hope.

    Hope that tomorrow can be better. Hope that we can grow, heal, and find moments of joy even when life feels messy. Hope that the little steps we take—whether it’s learning something new, helping someone in need, or just showing up for ourselves—can lead to big, beautiful changes.

    And if that feels overwhelming, remember: You don’t have to do it all. Some days, the bravest thing you can do is just keep going. That’s enough.

    So, here’s to 2025. May it be the year of second chances, belly laughs, and unexpected triumphs. May we approach it with courage, humor, and just enough coffee to keep us awake for the good stuff.

    And to 2024—thanks for the memories (kind of). You were like a plot twist we didn’t ask for but somehow survived. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

    Happy New Year! Let’s make it a good one.

  • Another Christmas Come and Gone

    Another Christmas has come and gone. Just like that, the wrapping paper is torn and tossed, the cookies are crumbs, and the lights are starting to lose their magic. Every year, I swear I’ll slow down and savor it all, but somehow, 2024 felt especially fast and furious. It’s wild to think the new year is just a week away.

    Time is a thief, isn’t it?

    I look at my boys, and I wonder how they grew up so quickly. One minute they were sitting on my lap, clutching a sippy cup, watching Christmas specials, and the next, they’re towering over me, with their own opinions about life and their own dreams to chase. It’s bittersweet. I love watching them become who they’re meant to be, but I’d give anything to relive those simple moments—just for a day.

    And then there are my parents. Every Christmas with them feels more fleeting. Their mortality weighs on me, not in a sad way, but in a deeply reflective one. It makes me think of my own. I still feel like the kid at heart, caught somewhere between wanting to sleep in on Christmas morning and needing to make everything magical for my family. But now, the torch has been passed, and I’m the one hosting the holidays.

    Me—the holiday matriarch. It feels strange even to write that.

    I catch myself sometimes, standing in my kitchen with flour on my shirt and a ham in the oven, wondering how I got here. When did I become the one keeping the traditions alive, the one making sure the stockings are hung and the cookies are baked? I still feel like the child running around the house, sneaking extra sprinkles on my sugar cookies. And yet, here I am, creating those memories for my boys.

    If I’m honest, it’s overwhelming at times. But it’s also a gift. A reminder that life keeps moving, even when we wish it would pause. It’s a call to hold tight to the moments we have—to look around the room and soak in the laughter, the chaos, and the love.

    As we say goodbye to Christmas and prepare for a new year, I’m reminded that the best we can do is live fully in the time we’re given. To show up, to love deeply, and to embrace every moment—even the messy, complicated ones.

    So here’s to another year gone by and a new one on the horizon. May we find the courage to keep passing the torch, to honor those who came before us, and to cherish the memories we’re making for those who come after.

    Time may be a thief, but we have the power to make it count.

  • Christmas Eve: Roast Beast, Dice Games, and Family Nostalgia

    Christmas Eve at our house this year was a beautiful mix of chaos, laughter, and roast beast (as Gannon insists on calling it). We hosted my parents and siblings, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like having a house full of people you’ve known your entire life. The good, the crazy, and the hilarious all come rushing back when we’re together.

    We went all out with the food—roast beef, ham, meatballs, cheesy potatoes, deviled eggs, shrimp, broccoli salad, and a veggie tray. It was the kind of spread that makes you wonder why we don’t eat like this every day. Everyone brought something to the table, literally, except my mom. This year, she didn’t have to. She’s been battling cancer, and for once, I wanted her to just enjoy herself, no casserole dish in tow. Watching her relax and laugh with her grandkids warmed my heart more than any holiday candle ever could.

    Gannon, of course, was thrilled to see his cousins. He rallied the troops for a dice game with Poppa Frank that quickly turned into a miniature riot when they discovered the treasure trove of costumes and toys in the playroom. Our house echoed with the sound of kids laughing, arguing over who got to be the Packers quarterback, and the occasional crash (nothing broke… I think).

    Later, we all piled into the living room to watch Home Alone—a tradition, because no Christmas is complete without Kevin McCallister outsmarting two hapless burglars. We followed it up with Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, one of my dad and brother’s favorites. The living room was a sea of kids, crumb-covered paper plates, and the occasional snoring adult (no names, but you know who you are).

    As the night wound down, I found myself sitting back and taking it all in. Family isn’t perfect. We argue, we annoy each other, and we bring a lifetime of baggage to every holiday gathering. But when it matters, we come together. We set aside our differences, gather around the table, and play dice games with Poppa Frank like we’re kids again.

    This Christmas Eve reminded me that no matter what challenges we face—whether it’s a tough year, a health battle, or just the everyday chaos of life—there’s something magical about family. It’s messy and complicated, but it’s also beautiful.

    So here’s to another Christmas filled with nostalgia, laughter, and love. And here’s to many more nights of roast beast, toy-strewn living rooms, and the comforting chaos of being with the people who know you best.

  • Remembering Grandma Alice at Christmas

    Christmas always brings a swirl of emotions for me—joy for the present and a wistful longing for the past. This season, more than any other, makes me think of my Grandma Alice, who passed away on December 6, 2005. Though she has been gone for nearly two decades, her memory is woven into every part of the holiday season. She loved Christmas, and it was a time when the house was filled with all her children and grandchildren, bringing the family together in a way only she could.

    Grandma was a warrior. Widowed in 1978, she endured unimaginable heartache after losing Grandpa Adolph. She also survived several strokes that left her partially paralyzed, but she never let those challenges dim her spirit or her love for her family. Christmas, to her, was a chance to pour love into each of us, whether through the meals she helped prepare or the gifts she so thoughtfully gave.

    A Rotating Celebration of Love

    Every year, Christmas Day rotated between my mom, Aunt Donna, and Aunt Mary’s homes. Regardless of whose house hosted, the warmth and joy were always the same. Grandma ensured the traditions stayed alive, even when her health declined.

    One of my favorite memories was the mountain of presents under the tree. Grandma always went above and beyond to make sure every grandchild felt special. She often enlisted Aunt Judy to help her wrap gifts, and it wasn’t unusual to find something wrapped in a cereal box—a funny, practical touch that still makes me smile. The excitement of tearing into those uniquely wrapped presents is a feeling I’ll never forget.

    The Feast

    Of course, Christmas wasn’t complete without the feast. The table overflowed with family favorites: ham, Polish sausage, delicious potatoes, and green bean casserole. And let’s not forget the desserts! The cutout cookies and peanut butter balls were legendary, a treat we all looked forward to year after year.

    It wasn’t just about the food or the gifts, though. What I treasure most is the time spent with my cousins, playing and laughing. We didn’t get to see each other every day, so Christmas was extra special. It was a time to reconnect and create memories that we’d carry with us long after the holiday ended.

    Grandma’s Legacy

    Looking back, I realize how much effort Grandma put into making Christmas magical for us. She made sure we had these beautiful moments to hold onto, even when life was difficult for her. Her resilience, love, and determination to keep our family close are lessons I carry with me to this day.

    Now, as a parent, I pray that my children will have fond memories of Christmas, just as I do. I want them to feel the same warmth and love that Grandma Alice worked so hard to give us. Whether it’s through baking cookies, unwrapping gifts, or simply being together, I hope to pass on her legacy of making Christmas a time for family and love.

    So this Christmas, as I cook the meal or watch my kids tear into their presents, I’ll be thinking of Grandma Alice. I’ll be grateful for the memories she gave me and for the lessons she taught about love, family, and resilience. And I’ll pray that somewhere, she’s smiling down on us, knowing how much she’s missed and loved.

  • Four Days Until Christmas: Cue the Chaos!

    It’s here, folks. The final countdown. We’re officially four days away from Christmas, and you know what that means: peak holiday panic! If you’re anything like me, this is the time of year when you question all your life choices, like why you thought you had “plenty of time” to buy gifts or why you volunteered to host the family dinner (again).

    Let’s break down what this magical-but-chaotic moment looks like:

    The Gift-Giving Gauntlet

    If your Amazon cart still looks like a wish list instead of an order history, it’s time to accept your fate: you’re now at the mercy of expedited shipping or, worse, the mall. (Is there anything more terrifying than a mall parking lot in late December? I think not.) Bonus points if you have to brave the store for “one last thing” and end up wandering aimlessly through aisles of scented candles, wondering if Aunt Carol would prefer “Winter Wonderland” or “Cinnamon Chaos.” Spoiler alert: she’ll say she loves it but secretly re-gift it next year.

    The Wrapping Olympics

    For those who actually have gifts ready, congratulations! Now comes the wrapping phase, where you realize that you’ve once again overestimated your abilities. One gift looks like it was wrapped by an elf, and the next resembles a crumpled burrito. And don’t even get me started on finding the tape. I swear it’s a Christmas tradition for the tape to vanish exactly when you need it most.

    The Great Cookie Crisis

    Oh, you thought you were done baking after the neighborhood cookie exchange? Think again. Someone (probably you) decided homemade cookies are a “must” for Santa. Cue the flour tornado, the burnt batches, and the inevitable argument over whether gingerbread men or sugar cookies reign supreme.

    The “Did I Forget Something?” Spiral

    With four days to go, it’s also prime time for the “did I forget someone?” panic. Your brain will inevitably conjure up the image of your child’s teacher, your neighbor, or that coworker who casually got you a gift last year, and suddenly you’re racing to find something that screams, “I totally planned this in advance!”

    The Magic Amid the Mayhem

    And yet, in the middle of all the madness, there’s something undeniably magical about this time of year. Maybe it’s the twinkling lights or the sound of your favorite holiday songs. Maybe it’s the way your kids’ faces light up when they talk about Christmas morning. Or maybe it’s the sheer adrenaline of pulling it all together at the last possible second.

    So here we are, four days out, holding on to our hot cocoa and our sanity by a thread. Take a breath. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a last-minute scrambler, Christmas will come, the day will be special, and you’ll laugh about the chaos later.

    But for now, good luck—and may your wrapping paper never run out before the last gift.

  • Dancing Through the Dust: My Cleaning Frenzy Before Christmas Eve

    Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the house, not a thing was in order—not even the couch.

    If you’ve ever tried to get your home ready to host a holiday gathering, you know the chaotic mix of optimism and panic that sets in. Yesterday, I embarked on a cleaning frenzy with the same energy as a contestant on a game show where the grand prize is “Your Guests Don’t Judge You.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t win.

    Step 1: The Soundtrack of Cleanliness
    Here’s a tip from me to you: when it’s time to clean, crank up the music like your life depends on it. I mean BLAST it. Enter my new favorite cleaning companion: the JBL Party Box speaker. This thing is so powerful I’m pretty sure the neighbors felt my cleaning energy from three doors down. (Not a sponsored post, but seriously, JBL, call me!)

    To kick things off, I queued up a mix of feel-good classics, but things quickly took a turn. The kids commandeered the playlist, and suddenly our house sounded like a live rap concert with enough bass to rattle the ornaments off the tree. But hey, if it gets them to clean their rooms, I’ll allow it.

    Step 2: Dancing (I Mean “Cleaning”)
    My cleaning strategy involves equal parts scrubbing and jamming out. I had a broom in one hand and a makeshift mic (read: the TV remote) in the other. At one point, I’m pretty sure I spent more time perfecting my moves to Uptown Funk than dusting the bookshelves. The Huz walked in, gave me a look that said, “Are you cleaning or auditioning for a music video?” and wisely walked back out.

    Step 3: The Kids Get Involved
    Here’s the thing about teenagers: they’ll do anything if you make it fun. The JBL Party Box worked its magic, and before I knew it, the boys were competing over who could vacuum with the best rhythm. The bassline was pounding, the lyrics were questionable, but the floors were spotless. Win-win.

    Step 4: Reflecting on My Progress
    After hours of “cleaning” (read: hosting an impromptu family dance party), the house looked… well, not perfect, but good enough. Let’s be honest, if anyone’s inspecting the grout lines on Christmas Eve, they’re not getting invited back next year.

    Final Thoughts
    Here’s my motto: cleaning is what happens when music and caffeine collide. Whether you’re blasting rap, rock, or Mariah Carey’s Greatest Hits, just make it fun. You’ll be amazed at how much dust you can dance away.

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a tree to redecorate because apparently, JBL bass is strong enough to jingle the ornaments off the branches.

    Merry (clean-ish) Christmas!