The best part of a long weekend away
Turkey sandwiches for days afterwards. Top of some family members' lists, bottom of others'.
But really, it's the sense of shared purpose. One extra day somehow gives us permission to be intentional with our time. The weekend has a rhythm. Who's coming? What needs doing before we leave, and when we're back? What's packed? Are the right clothes clean? Are the ferries sorted?
It's a bit like the days at home over Christmas, except this time we're out somewhere together. Schools and businesses cooperate to set the days aside. Familiar routines and traditions get reinforced, and I think that helps us feel we have our feet underneath us in turbulent times.
Even with cramped quarters and five pairs of long legs in the car, a little "forced adversity" for a common cause brings a different kind of comfort than the separate corners of home.
And then, somewhere in the weekend, the switch flips. We don't need to pack yet, but we're already thinking about it, and the bittersweet pull of normal routine sets in.