The Christmases That Raised Me
A companion guide to the holiday essays, before the final part
The holidays are my favorite time of year for many reasons. Each December, I take time to reflect and share my experiences—from the traditions of my childhood, to the ones I created for my own children, and finally to what the holidays look like now, after coming out, a career change, a divorce, and the search for what comes next.
These posts are intentionally presented in reverse order. Parts I and II of the three-part series are live, along with companion essays that dig a little deeper—into the music, movies, and moments that tie it all together.
I hope you enjoy reading them. If you’re inclined, I’d love to hear your own favorite memories and holiday traditions in the comments.
Merry Christmas!
Caleb
The Man Who Made the Holidays Feel Human
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is its own kind of holiday. Travel purgatory. Grocery lines that look like evacuation routes. Families bracing for their annual performance reviews. It’s a night when you want something familiar on the screen — something warm, genuinely funny, and a little bruised around the edges.
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