During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, Lisa and I have an open door policy for people we know. Whether it's someone from our neighborhood tribe or a coworker, we make sure that people aren't spending the holiday season alone. Over the years, we've had some people take us up on that offer.
Don't build taller fences. Build longer tables.
Over the weekend, Lisa and I were talking about the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Almost at the same time, we realized that we hadn't been invited to any festivities.
To back up a bit, our kids are terrified of fireworks. We haven't gone to a public fireworks display since we adopted Coco almost 7 years ago.
The weekend before and after the 4th of July, and on the actual holiday, we hunker down well before it starts getting dark.
In the past, we've been invited to join in on festivities during the day and evening. We'll spend a few hours during the afternoon hours having fun and eating grilled fare.
Then, we head home.
Lisa and I were both a bit surprised that we hadn't been invited to any 4th of July celebrations. It was the first time since moving here in 2012 that no invitations had been extended.
We talked about that for a while and then drifted to another topic.
On Monday, I had several conversations with people who we have celebrated the 4th of July with in the past.
One couple had plans elsewhere. Another couple, well...no comment. The last had no plans. I extended an invitation to her to join us. She accepted.
By that time, Lisa and I decided that we were going to stay put, get some projects done around our home, and end the evening with firing up the grill for dinner.
That's exactly what we did. I even made a gorgeous blueberry crunch pie for dessert.
Earlier today, we learned that a few of our other neighbor friends didn't have any plans. One of them was going to try and get some people together.
That didn't work out.
Halfway through mowing the lawn, Lisa took a break.
"How about we invite them over to join us? We've got plenty of food. It'll be fun. No one should go without 4th of July festivities."
"Sounds good to me."
Don't build taller fences. Build longer tables.
I sent a message asking if they wanted to join forces over here for food and fun. They gladly accepted.
We had a delicious spread on our kitchen table. It was a 4th of July potluck of sorts.
We filled our plates and ate outdoors in the backyard.
We had great conversations and lots of laughs.
Dessert was yummy.
Our evening ended before dark. It was a work night for some of us.
Lisa and I were snuggled on the sofa with the kids when surrounding neighbors lit off their 4th of July stuff.
Before bed, I told Lisa it was one of the best 4th of Julys we've ever had.
And, we learned that Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't the only holidays when people may not have been invited anywhere or may be spending it alone.
We weren't the only ones who didn't receive an invitation.
As quoted on my Facebook page earlier this evening...
"You know what's REALLY great on the 4th of July after working almost 10 hours in the workshop, woodshop, small household projects, and yardwork? Spontaneity. Impromptu. Sharing food with our favorite humans. It's about time to fire up the grill and eat!"
I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July holiday!
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