Home for the Holidays
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine|December 2020
When I was a child, we spent every other Christmas at home.
DEBORAH WYATT FELLOWS
Home for the Holidays

In the off years, Santa came to our house early, which never, ever felt right. Then my parents would load us at 4 a.m., sleepy and rumpled, into the station wagon where we’d snuggle like kittens on the foam pad in the back, and my dad would drive the 14 hours to his hometown in southern Illinois. I tried not to be too jealous when Santa actually came to my cousin’s homes on a real day.

My favorite Christmases were the occasional years my grandma, aunts and uncles would come and spend the night at our house. One year, the adults had a bit too much of my dad’s “Moose Milk,” and when I saw the photos later, my grandma was playing the piano and the rest of them were dancing in a conga line around the living room dining room-kitchen circuit we loved to run as kids. It was a gift to see them all so happy and care free, and a revelation that they were creating their own holiday memories as adults.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN'S MAGAZINEView All
Camping With Your Dog
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

Camping With Your Dog

Bringing your dog on your next outdoor overnight excursion? Oh, yes! With a little planning, your canine companion will enjoy camping just as much as you. These Northern Michigan spots are perfectly pet-friendly.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

SWEET ON THE BETSIE

JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE

ASKED TO MOVE A HARBOR SPRINGS HOME FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL STYLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER GEMMA PARKER BUILT ON THE FRESH, TIMELESS ALLURE OF BLUE AND WHITE.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2021
Please, eat the violets.
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

Please, eat the violets.

The wild violets that dot our forest floors are pretty enough to eat. Go ahead—let our six simple recipes fuel your culinary imagination.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
OASIS ON ELK LAKE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

OASIS ON ELK LAKE

ARCHITECT KEN RICHMOND DESIGNS A HOME THAT CAPTURES THE CARIBBEAN COLORS OF ELK LAKE WHILE FEELING COMPLETELY ORGANIC TO THE NORTHWOODS.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2021
LOSS AND NATURE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

LOSS AND NATURE

Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021
GO WITH THE FLOW
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

GO WITH THE FLOW

Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2021
CHAMPION OF TREES
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

CHAMPION OF TREES

Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE

American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021