Just three years ago, many of us were forced to skip Thanksgiving. That November, 4.3 million folks were infected with COVID-19 keeping many of us home with our families. For many there was no overindulging, no run-ins with “political” uncles, no fighting over parenting styles with in-laws, and none of the thousand and one holiday stressors that we deal with when the family comes together. But of course there was also a lot to miss. The kids knew this instinctively and were loud about it (how many of you heard “I miss Gramma” on repeat during this period?).

But this is true too for the parents, who often get more of a mixed bag during family gatherings. Because for every fight during the holidays, there’s a genuine hug; for every judgmental word, there is a real connection; for every anxiety-inducing conversation, there’s laughter. Three years later, it can be hard to remember the longing we had for our family. Life goes on and family life can be stressful. But it also is the group that can celebrate us in the good times and provide the support we need in bad times. Hug them extra hard with this in mind.