Christmas 2020 – Grebel Covid Christmas Tour (Part 1)

Written by Kim

Well 2020 has been quite a year full of changes for the whole world but for us it was our first Christmas in our new house in SC. When we moved we committed to our family that we would continue to host Christmas in NJ so we booked an Air Bnb in anticipation that Covid would be settled down – not the case but off to NJ we went in the wee hours of the morning of December 22.

Day 1 – we drove most of the day and made our first stop in Philadelphia to see Alex’s son, Alex, his wife, Briana, and their new puppy, Millie. It was a pretty mild December day in the low to mid 40s so we spent some time taking Millie to a park, exchanging gifts, and enjoying an outdoor dinner at a local restaurant, Hygee. This restaurant has adapted to required outdoor dining by installing overhead heat lamps, standing propane heaters and even providing blankets so your butt doesn’t freeze on the cold metal chairs. It was a bit nippy but allowed us a social distanced Covid safe visit.

Day 2 – was a bit unplanned except for a visit with Ryan for dinner but turned out to be a fantastic day. In the am we decided to go get some steps walking in Quakerbridge Mall because it was cool and pretty muddy outside from the melting snow. Much to my surprise Lord and Taylor was still open (they went bankrupt so are closing). L&T has always been one of my favorites so I rummaged through their 60-80% off racks. Since I’ve lost more weight I decided in was time to make an investment in some pants that fit. I got a bunch of things for me (and of course the babies) for $120. I was teary leaving my favorite store as many have said to me it’s the end of an era! We stopped to see our friends, Patty and Tony for lunch. We had some delicious pizza and caught up a bit. Since we were in the area we also stopped to see our friends, Lea and Ian and the kids. Despite having to visit without hugs remaining socially distant it was a bit normal to look at our friends face to face finally. We had dinner with Ryan at Harpoon Willy’s. Unfortunately his fiancé, Nikki, is so busy at the salon she couldn’t join us. We not only wished Ryan a Merry Christmas we also were celebrating his upcoming wedding next week. They are going out to Tahoe to get married. We are so happy to welcome Nikki officially into the family.

Day 3 (Christmas Eve) – we left South Jersey around midday to head north to our AirBnb. We normally host Christmas so we told the family when we moved we would still come back to Nj and rent somewhere to host. We thought we might have found the perfect house in West Orange but realized as we pulled up that it’s for sale so guess we’ll need to find somewhere else next year. We were able to check in early so we could unload all the gifts and stuff we brought before heading out to pick up our catering and other food for tomorrow. Out we went to do our last minute preparation. First stop Corrado’s to pick up some catering, Italian cold cuts and antipasto stuff. Unfortunately, they made me the wrong chicken but the man was awesome he told me he would cook the right one and we could pick it up in 30 minutes. I told him no problem we’ll go to liquor store and come back. Corrados for the win with great customer service. Alex and I had a quiet Christmas Eve dinner. This was the first year since I started attending UMC Wayne that there was no 11 pm candlelight service. This is my favorite service all year so I was a bit sad missing celebrating Christ’s birth with my church family. Damn Covid!

Day 4 (Christmas) – It is weird to wake up in someone else’s house with no tree or gifts on Christmas morning. Next year I think I’ll bring our little Christmas tree. We had a small gathering with the Carters, Bakers and us. We zoomed with the Van Sickle family at night so I got to see my mom, brother, aunts, uncle and cousins. We missed Stephen and Bethany who are working so that next year when the baby is here they can be off. Despite Covid we had a fantastic day. I know next year will be so different once the grand babies arrive and hopefully we all can be together again.

Day 5 – December 26 – we helped Nancie and Jake move today into their new condo. Now we have both moved from our Wayne neighborhood but the miles are short between us because our friendship is strong. It was really cold but they are getting settled in nicely. We went to Karen and John’s for dinner and I got to see my the Fiore side of the family. I haven’t seen my niece and nephew in a while since Cassidy now lives in Ohio. We met Jesse’s girlfriend, Michelle, and David’s girlfriend, Kristie. It’s great to see everyone so happy and to share memories, stories and lots of laughs. It was almost normal for a few hours – we had a fantastic time.

Day 6 – December 27 – before checking out of the house my friend, Renee, stopped by for coffee and to catch up. She lives right around the block from the house we rented. It was great to see her. We checked out and went to pick up Heather and Antoine to go to my mom’s house to see her for Christmas. We enjoyed our visit with Mom, Doug and Charlie (who doesn’t realize a 140 pound St Bernard isn’t a lap dog). He was very excited to see us.

We are still in NJ until New Years. To be continued in Part 2 – stay well