Cheers to the merrymakers!

In every family or circle of friends, there’s a merrymaker – the person who can transform any celebration into something truly magical. They’re the ones who voluntarily step up to organize events and curate details to make sure everyone feels welcomed, connected, and included.

From planning menus to creating the perfect ambiance with music, merrymakers are the glue that holds gatherings together. But what truly sets them apart is their spirit. It’s not just about logistics for them. They bring an energy that turns simple occasions into opportunities for connection, memory-making, and honoring traditions that might otherwise be overlooked.

In our family, my sister Julie reigns supreme as the merrymaker. Despite the chaos of the holiday season, she finds time to organize everything, from games to acting as the family DJ with playlists that keep the atmosphere lively. She’s also the keeper of our photo albums. She knows which traditions bring us the most joy and how to make every gathering feel just right.

As we wrap up this holiday season (with the biggest occasions of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s still to come), let’s take a closer look at the merrymakers among us, and what we can learn as they give us the gift of connection and shared happiness.

Who are the merrymakers?

Merrymakers instinctively understand that the true purpose of a party isn’t about appearances, lavish details, or perfectly set tables. For them, every gathering is an opportunity to bring people closer together.

What sets merrymakers apart is their selflessness. They don’t see what they do as anything extraordinary; it’s simply part of who they are. It’s in their DNA to create an atmosphere of fun, laughter, and togetherness. Whether opening a photo album, starting a game, or jumping into a conversation with someone sitting on the sidelines, merrymakers use their unique power of connection to bring people into a celebration.

In last week’s Celebrations Chatter podcast, I spoke with Susan Feldman , 1-800-Flowers.com’s Amazing Mom of the Month for December. She’s an entrepreneur who founded the home décor company One Kings Lane and In the Groove, a digital platform and community for women over 50. Susan is also a merrymaker.

For several years, she’s hosted a remarkable holiday party attended by over 100 women, providing a platform for showcasing their businesses. Epitomizing the essence of a merrymaker, she shared:

“I still see women who came to these parties, and they tell me, ‘I met so-and-so at your house, and we’ve become such good friends.’ Bringing amazing women together sparks incredible connections and opportunities.”

Community merrymakers

A few weeks ago, I invited you, the Celebrations Pulse community, to share stories of the merrymakers in your lives, and as always, your responses did not disappoint. Your stories highlight how these special people bring joy, warmth, and connection to the holiday season.

Carol told me her parents “tied” as her family’s merrymakers. She shared how all her adult siblings and their children traveled from out of town to stay with her parents over the holidays. On Christmas morning, they’d wake up to delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen.

Her parents rose at dawn to prepare a Christmas breakfast that became a family ritual. But the magic didn’t stop there. After breakfast, Carol’s dad would run around the house pulling out hidden presents, while her mom laid out cookies and hot chocolate. “It was magical,” Carol says.

For Marcie, her uncle was the family’s merrymaker, bringing joy and a touch of theatricality to every Christmas. He lived in Washington, D.C., while the rest of the family was in rural Pennsylvania. “He was the ‘city boy’ of the family,” she remembers.

Every Christmas Eve, her uncle made a grand entrance. Before he came inside, he’d head to the tool shed, put on a Santa suit, and walk in carrying big bags of gifts. On Christmas morning, the magic continued. Her uncle donned the Santa suit once more, handing out presents, singing along to Christmas carols, and dancing around the room.

Celebrating the merrymakers

Carol and Marcie’s stories remind us of the vital role merrymakers play in keeping holiday traditions alive. Their creativity, joy, and love leave an indelible mark. They inspire us to invest time in relationships, embrace the magic of the moment, and revel in the shared joy that makes this season so meaningful.

Who are the merrymakers in your life? Celebrate them, cherish their efforts, and carry their spirit forward – because the joy they create is a gift that lasts for generations.

Happy holidays,

Jim