Our First Holiday Party

I recently hosted my household's first celebration as a married couple (or in my life, for that matter)- my husband's nameday. We have had get togethers before (we'd have some friends or family over for dinner, or birthdays, etc) but this is the first time I have ever had a party for a specific holiday. We had a great time, invited many people, all of whom came (we did not have enough seats!) and they stayed very late- all of which made me very happy. It gave me a lot of pleasure to see so many people over, having a good time, not wanting to leave. It was a great compliment.

While growing up in my family (a rather large family by today's standards) we visited my grandparents for every holiday. They were always close to all their children and gathered us all together for the major holidays. Over time, as their children married and had children, the different households would take turns hosting events, and over time each had picked their holiday. My parents always host Thanksgiving, an aunt always hosts Christmas, and an uncle always hosts Easter.

Now that I (the first grandchild) am married, I am stepping forward to claim my own holiday. I plan to have a big celebration for my husband's nameday each year. A nameday is the annual feastday of a saint, and those who are named after him or her celebrate on this day. It many cultures it is more significant than a birthday. It is especially meaningful for us to celebrate, as my husband is a recent convert to our religion.

In the future, I may also attempt to host more holidays, such as New Year's, as we have such a good time as a family when we all get together, and no one has picked this holiday yet.