This week as I prepare for the Christmas holiday I have been reflecting on the fact that traditions don’t just extend to holidays. The only difference is the words that are used. A tradition is just a habit that happens at a specific time of year. I have written about how my life hasn’t physically been affected by COVID-19 much. Then I googled one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago last night to find out that they had permanently closed. This made me think about every time I went to that restaurant. The service wasn’t always the greatest, but my roommate and I always ordered the classic bread pudding. 

The classic bread pudding was two layers drizzled with warm caramel sauce and topped with a scoop of chocolate hazelnut gelato. I have memories of going with friends on Saturday night just to get out of the dorm and praying that my wheelchair battery would make last until we made it back home. I remember treating friends to dinner for helping us move apartments, and getting a giant bruise on my head because my chair tipped over when I was on my way to get a table while they moved the last few items.

I found myself being sad that I didn’t have a final meal there even though I hadn’t been there for at least a year.  I know it isn’t about the food. My roommate can recreate pretty much any food in one or two attempts, so I know I will get to have the food again. I won’t be able to have one last memory of eating bread pudding in a crowded sports bar. I can probably find another sports bar with desserts, but it won’t be the same. 

I know restaurants across the country are struggling. They are trying to adapt to the new social distancing measures in order to keep their customers safe. I have secretly been hoping that the government will bail out the restaurant industry in order to help them recover. I know I’ve talked about how change is good and can make your life better. I still believe that, but it’s okay to be sad about the changes too.

Change is hard for everyone, and I think we’re all trying to make this Christmas as normal as possible. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I hope that you have at least one constant in your life to help you through these changing times. I hope you have a good holiday season, make all the memories, and hope we can find some semblance of ”normal life” in 2021.