Holiday homecoming

While showing property on Tuesday morning (December 23rd), my client said to me: “I can’t believe how many people wanted to go out for drinks on Christmas Eve. When I said that I was going home, they made sympathetic noises. But I like my family. I want to go home to see them.” This made me wonder if he is one of the lucky ones, or if many people love being home for the holidays.

Some of my clients love homes that remind them of where they grew up; some hate anything like what they grew up in. When you chose your current house or apartment, did you choose it because it was like your childhood home(s)? Or did you want something as different as possible from where you grew up?

I remember the “party home” of my childhood. Aunt Anna and Uncle Ben’s place was the site of most family holidays. Their apartment had a big, long living room. There was enough space for a table for everyone to eat only if the living room furniture was piled in Ken's bedroom. When there was no formal meal, the table was shoved to the side and folding chairs came out. If we stayed overnight, it was like camping – uncomfortable but fun. It was city living at its best.

I may have been influenced some by my Aunt Anna and Uncle Ben’s place. I loved being there. I remember both of their apartments. The style of my home is a lot like their places. I miss them during the holiday season.