The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

Thanksgiving, But Make It Beachy (and Slightly Boozy)

If you ask most people their favorite holiday, you’ll hear the usual suspects: Christmas for the magic, Fourth of July for the fireworks, maybe Halloween for the candy. But me? Oh no. I’ve elevated my expectations. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving…at the beach.

Yes, you heard that right. While everyone else is stressing over dry turkey and folding chairs in overcrowded living rooms, I’m packing sunscreen, stretchy pants, and a solid drink strategy.

Every year, “The Rents” (a.k.a. my parents), our bonus family from Georgia—Denise and Ricky—and I head to the beach for a full week of what I can only describe as organized chaos with a side of cocktails. And by “organized,” I mean we know exactly when we’re eating and drinking…everything else is negotiable.

Our schedule is pretty intense:

Wake up Drink coffee (optional, depending on the previous night) Eat Go to the beach or pool for a little Vitamin D (and a lot of good music and drinks 🍹) Eat again Play cards (where things can get competitive…fast) Maybe golf Definitely shop for Christmas gifts Eat again And, of course…drink again

I know what you’re thinking: “That’s a lot of eating and drinking.”

To which I say: Yes. Yes, it is. And we are fully committed to the lifestyle.

Now let’s talk about the real MVP moment from this past year: Mom discovering eggnog.

Y’all…when I say she was a hoot, I mean we unlocked a whole new version of her. Suddenly, the woman who normally keeps everyone in line was just…living her best life. Laughing, relaxing, and maybe not reminding us what we should or shouldn’t be doing every five minutes.

Dad, on the other hand, became the official Eggnog Supplier.

Every. Single. Day.

“I JUST bought y’all some!” he’d say.

And every day, we’d respond with complete sincerity: “Well…we drank it all. Because we LOVE eggnog.”

At one point, I think even he started to enjoy the situation. I mean, he did say he liked Mom better with eggnog…which tells you everything you need to know.

Of course, no trip would be complete without Dad’s signature sarcastic comments and Mom’s completely unfiltered responses. And there I am, right in the middle, playing referee like it’s a championship match.

“Hug it out,” I tell them.

Do they listen? Absolutely not. But I say it anyway.

And don’t even get me started on the car ride there and back. That alone could be its own blog series. Between the random conversations, questionable navigation decisions, and snack stops that somehow turn into full meals…it’s an adventure before we even hit the sand.

But honestly, that’s what makes it all so special.

It’s not just the beach.

It’s not just the food (although, let’s be real, that’s a big part).

It’s not just the drinks.

It’s the people.

It’s The Rents.

It’s Denise and Ricky.

It’s the laughter, the stories, the sarcasm, the no-filter moments, and yes…the photographic evidence I always keep (Google receipts don’t lie).

When you mix family, friends, sunshine, beach days, golf outings, shopping sprees, endless meals, and a generous pour of your favorite drink—you get my perfect Thanksgiving.

So while everyone else is counting calories and passing casseroles, I’ll be at the beach…living my best life.

And probably asking Dad to make one more run to the store.🦃🏖️☀️🍹🛍️⛳️