Old Traditions, New Memories
This time of year, I find myself thinking about my mother’s holiday records, the hours I spent on the ice as a kid, and the people gathered around our Thanksgiving table. The Terrace chairs are in hibernation, the days get shorter, and I start looking ahead to the traditions I want to revisit, and the poeple I want to share them with.
Some things have become annual rituals, like bringing home Thanksgiving dinner from the Wisconsin Union. Other things on my calendar will be firsts for me. That’s part of what I love about the season: returning to familiar favorites while leaving room for something new.
Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving and Fudge Bottom Pie
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays: a table full of food, people I’m glad to see, and a chance to slow down and appreciate it all.
And I love that Thanksgiving has expanded to include friendsgiving. Family isn’t always defined by who we’re related to. Sometimes it’s the people we’ve met along the way.
The Wisconsin Union’s Thanksgiving To Go has become part of my own holiday tradition. Sometimes I bring home a full meal. Sometimes I order just so I can have Thanksgiving leftovers.
Our culinary team prepares everything from complete dinners to individual dishes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time at the table.
And did I mention the fudge bottom pie?
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a little of both, it’s a way to bring a bit of the Union home.
The Sound of the Holidays
Growing up, my mother loved a good holiday record. Music was always part of the season in our house, and a familiar tune—especially one sung off-key—can still take me right back.
So when I heard Canadian Brass was coming to Shannon Hall on Dec. 4, I knew it was a concert I didn’t want to miss.
As a former professional musician, I’ve long admired this extraordinary quintet. For more than 50 years, they’ve brought remarkable musicianship, humor and plenty of personality to concert halls around the world.
I’m looking forward to hearing that combination in person. And if I find myself humming one of those familiar melodies on the way home, I’ll know exactly where I learned it.
A Feast in the Great Hall
I’ve always loved rooms that seem to hold the memories of everyone who’s ever gathered in them. The Great Hall is one of those places.
On Dec. 4 and 5, Frosty Feast will add to that history with a festive dinner, performances by the Wisconsin Singers, and a holiday sing-along.
And I do love a good community sing-along. Especially after a beverage and a full meal. Sometimes it takes a little encouragement to get everyone started, but that’s part of the fun.
Back on the Ice (Well, Maybe Me)
I started ice skating when I was two years old.
No, really. Two.
Skating was a big part of my childhood. I still remember the cold air, the sound of blades cutting across the ice, and that wonderful feeling of gliding along.
I should probably mention that I haven’t been on skates since I was 18.
But I can imagine a child stepping onto the ice for the first time, holding a parent’s hand, then gradually finding the confidence to let go.
When weather and ice conditions allow, Outdoor UW’s skating opportunities on Lake Mendota offer families a chance to bundle up and get out on the ice together.
And perhaps I’ll finally work up the courage to lace up a pair again.
The Gift of Belonging
One of the best parts of my job is hearing people’s Union stories.
First dates on the Terrace. A concert someone still remembers decades later. Afternoons with friends in the Rathskeller. Little moments that became lifelong memories.
When I hear those stories, I wonder which of this season’s gatherings will become someone’s annual outing or the evening they’re still talking about years from now.
If you’re thinking about gifts this holiday season, consider a Wisconsin Union membership. It’s an invitation to explore, meet people, return to favorite places and perhaps begin a tradition or two.
After all, the best traditions aren’t necessarily the ones we’ve been keeping the longest.
Sometimes, they’re the ones we haven’t started yet.
