OPINION: Appreciating the little things

This Christmas, family from San Diego will be joining us in Wisconsin. My aunt was born in Wisconsin and is certainly familiar with what a Midwest winter looks like. Her boyfriend, however, is not.

Boyfriend is actually a born-and-raised California boy, so December in Wisconsin will certainly be an interesting experience for him. As someone who is apparently also a major Hallmark movie fan, we’re hoping to help him experience some of the classic Christmas activities he might not normally experience.

Though I may be wrong, I’m under the impression that Boyfriend has never experienced snow before, so we’re going to give him the full experience. My home in Wisconsin is close to a number of downhill ski resorts. No, we aren’t throwing him in the deep end and making him ski. Instead, we’ll be enjoying the tubing offered by one of the resorts. Despite living near such resorts for so long, I’ve never actually been tubing down a ski hill, so that should be fun.

With my parents always looking for something active to do, they also own snowshoes and cross country skis. Depending on how much snow has arrived by Christmas, Boyfriend and my aunt might get to try out those classic winter sports too.

Something I’m excited for him to experience is the joy of a fireplace. Sure, fireplaces exist around the world, but living in San Diego he’s never got to defrost in front of a roaring fire. As someone who hates the cold weather, this is one of the few joys winter brings me each year.

Another activity we originally had planned for their trip to Wisconsin was a live Nutcracker event, in which different acts of the ballet are performed in different rooms of a historical mansion. Guests are then led from room to room through the scenes, experiencing the Nutcracker story in a fun new way. Again, despite this event having always existed during my time in Wisconsin, I had never gone. It’s definitely something that sounds right up my alley, so it’s unfortunate tickets were sold out for the dates we wanted to go. There’s always next year for the rest of us.

I’ll also probably suggest a trip to a nearby drive-thru light show. While that’s another Christmas event that happens around the U.S., I think the addition of the snow and chill adds an element that Boyfriend has never had the chance to experience. I’ve gone once or twice and always enjoyed it.

With all the classic Christmas activities we’re planning on, there seems to be a strange theme. Despite having always been around near me, I’m only finally doing these things when there’s an out-of-towner to show around. This feels like a common theme, no matter where you are.

One you live somewhere, the things around you don’t feel as exciting or special. I’m so used to the bright colors of the leaves in fall that I don’t take the time to enjoy them, while people from all over the U.S. will drive up just to see them. While I certainly enjoyed it, I never fully appreciated how often we went to the Wisconsin Dells when I was little. Now I hear about people bringing their families from far and wide to the waterparks there, almost like it’s Disney.

Having someone from a completely different region come to experience my hometown for the first time helps me see it in a completely new perspective. This doesn’t just refer to the local activities either.

College students experience this every year when they go back to school. Suddenly, all the small things their parents did for them come into view, and even if they don’t make it obvious, they appreciate the help. No matter how annoying a sibling might be when you’re home, their absence is felt heavily when you move out.

This holiday season, take a look at the world around you to appreciate it: whether it be the people in your life or the community you live in, there’s something that makes it special. Remember what you have.