. Saving a Ruined Memorial Day Holiday

It is Memorial Day and it is raining!  What a mess!  The outdoor breakfast had to come inside, the planned games at the park will not take place because we are having hail, rain, and wind.  The mid-afternoon hike up the mountain will result in mud, frustration, and chills and wouldn’t be too wise because of the thunder storms.  What do you do when the weather or other detractors make for a ruined holiday?

A well-organized woman is always trying to think ahead, making adjustments, and often smiling through her tears.  I know you might think it strange, but we decided to have a “winter party” today.  We will light up the gas fireplace, and make up hot chocolate with marshmallows and homemade donuts.  We will have all the kids bring their bedding from the bedrooms and have a joint “breakfast in bed”.  Since they will be restless soon, we will plan a treasure hunt, labeling all the rooms of the house as different parts of an ancient castle (dungeon, keep, jail, princess’ loft) and hiding clues under furniture so the kids can eventually find a small wicker basket with goodies inside.

After hot clam chowder for lunch, we will go for a drive to the nearest “open” grocery store where we will take a hike up and down the aisles and have the kids purchase the items necessary to bake and decorate cupcakes.  We will come home, bake the cupcakes and let the kids use carefully CLOSED ziploc baggies full of icing (with a ting holy at one corner) to decorate cupcakes, one to eat and others to deliver to close friends.

After a trip around the neighborhood delivering cupcakes, we will settle down to a patriotic family movie (my favorite is “Johnny Tremain”) or to much-needed naps.  And so the day with end, happily but differently than I had thought when we woke up.

I encourage you, whether or not you had rain this weekend, to always have a supply of good ideas, necessary supplies, and a positive attitude (especially on holidays) to adapt and adjust and enjoy.  I am sorry that we won’t enjoy watermelon and roasted hot dogs today, but I doubt that anyone in my family will ever forget the “winter” Memorial Day we planned together in front of our fireplace and in our warm kitchen.

Find more helpful ideas in the House of Order Handbook.