I love holiday traditions. Nearly everyone has one. What’s yours?
When my mom was a small girl, she constructed a manger from tin foil. Lining it with a soft baby blanket, she placed it under the Christmas tree. Her intent was to provide the baby Jesus with a warm, safe place to stay. This tradition has carried on within my family for decades.
When I was a kid, my dad had an account at a small department store on Eastern Avenue called Jack and Harry’s. The place carried everything from sweaters to sleds. Dad would take me and my brothers there to buy our mother’s Christmas present. It was never anything big, but obviously more than we could afford because he visited the place every Friday to make his weekly payment until the gift was paid off months later. This happened each year for my entire childhood.
Every time I think of these two traditions, I have to smile. I also realize that although there’s nothing better than honoring old traditions, it’s my responsibility to create new holiday traditions for my children and—hopefully—my grandchildren. Being aware of this, I understand how important it is to choose wisely.
I wrote The Thursday Night Club with the sincere hope that some folks might be inspired to create a similar holiday tradition. The story is a modern-day twist on some age-old values: Five college friends have been getting together every Thursday night to share humble meals and an abundance of laughter. During one of these sessions, a friendly contest is proposed. The objective is simple: whoever performs the kindest deed by Christmas night wins the pot – four quarters. And there are only two conditions: the benevolent deed must be anonymous, and it cannot cost a single penny to pull off. As the four friends undertake the contest, the healing begins and they become inspired beyond their expectations. There might be a winner in this competition, but it is very clear there will be no losers.
In Episode 4, Miracles: At their last college Friendsgiving, The Thursday Night Club reflect on the miracles of the season—before heading out to try to create some miracles of their own.
Here’s Episode 4, Miracles:
Listen to “Episode 4: Miracles” on Spreaker.
Listen to all the episodes on The Thursday Night Club:
How a Desert Storm Vet Came to Write a Christmas Podcast
When Inspiration Comes Calling
Originally published on The Thursday Night Club. It’s FREE, so please subscribe and SHARE it with those you love.
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Have you read the original anthology that was the catalyst for The Good Men Project? Buy here: The Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood
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Talk to you soon.
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