I hope this December finds you well, and you had a great Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.  Family, friends, food, and a little football! However, this year was very different for my family, as I’m sure it was for yours. It was the first time in my life that I did not spend Thanksgiving with my parents, and assorted siblings, kids, nieces, and nephews. What has always been a large gathering became much smaller.

Thanksgiving with the Anderson family, 1990.

Although I was unable to be with my parents, (my siblings and I were able to bring them plenty of food!) there was one tradition that remained; the family dining room table. This dining room table sat in my parent’s dining room for generations hosting holiday dinners as far back as I can remember. Stories, food, and laughter created so many great memories and, for me, traditions. I think traditions are extremely important to us. They remind us of where we came from and who we are. They allow us to look to the past as we plan for the future. I am a total sucker for traditions!

As some of you know, my parents are close to 90. Just as this virus was starting up, my Mom had a fall that prevented her from going up and down the stairs. So, a few weeks back, my parents decided to move their bedroom to the first floor of the house they have lived in for over fifty years. Before they could bring down their bedroom furniture, they needed to find a new home for their large dining room table.  Our dining room became the new home for that table. The same table where I spent many hours celebrating birthdays and holidays, eating wonderful meals and listening to great family stories, was now a part of my own family tradition. Although my parents and siblings weren’t there, I am so grateful to be able to carry on the tradition of great conversation and food with my wife, children, and grandchildren – around that table.

New Traditions at Oswald’s

Speaking of traditions, I hope Oswald’s has become a tradition for you and your family. Perhaps it’s where you always buy your holiday cards, toys, puzzles, or unique gifts for family and friends. Maybe you simply browse the aisles until you find something fun to add to your holiday celebration or tradition! I have been able to watch my sons carry on the family tradition as the 6th generation of Oswalds.

Oldest son Wil manages our website and web store. Second son Alex oversees the day-to-day operations of the store. This year Alex has added a huge stocking stuffer display. Just as you enter the store there is a table loaded with some cool, creative, and fun things to add to anyone’s stocking! Right next to that is Naper Settlement’s pop up display celebrating our 145th anniversary.

As a family business, we have been privileged to serve our customers and community for those 145 years. Though much has changed over the years, our dedication to our customers and community has never changed and never will – that’s a tradition I am very proud to be a part of!

Though this Christmas will probably be different for most, maybe a new tradition will emerge and be added to your holidays for years to come! Thanks to all and Merry Christmas!