Homecoming 2024
After 13 years of living under Arizona's sun-drenched skies, I returned to Southern Massachusetts last week. It was my first time back in six years, and the holiday sights, crisp air, and Christmas spirit I had missed so much were all waiting for me. But there was a mix of emotions. I hadn't seen Gina since she began her treatments, and this would be my first holiday with my brother in nearly 25 years. I wasn’t sure how it would feel once we landed, and I was back on familiar roads and highways.
From the moment we arrived, the sharp, crisp air hit me hard. So different from Arizona's dry warmth. The winter chill was invigorating, bringing the holiday season to life in a way Arizona never could. I couldn’t help but marvel at the things I missed most: the iconic candles in colonial windows, the distant glow of a lone Christmas tree in the countryside, and the houses lined with sparkling lights that made everything feel like a movie.
One of my favorite things about New England is the backroads. Driving along winding, narrow lanes, passing through small towns from state to state, offers a sense of peace that Arizona's desert highways just can't replicate. I absolutely love the historic homes, sprawling lawns, traditions, bustling stores at Christmas time and the holiday parties.
Spending time with Gina was a highlight. We spent four days shopping together, and although our trips were short, it was wonderful to have my brutally honest shopping partner back. There’s something special about having someone who tells it like it is, and I’d missed that dynamic.
Massachusetts had that perfect holiday charm I’d been craving. The East Coast Christmas spirit, traditions, and sense of togetherness are something Arizona just can’t match, no matter how stunning the desert sunsets are. After all, family is here.
But as much as I enjoyed being back, I couldn’t ignore the harsh realities that came with it. The attitude of people in Massachusetts can be hard to miss—the tailgating, the speeding, the honking if you're not driving fast enough. It’s a fast-paced, impatient atmosphere that’s easy to get caught up in. I found myself frustrated by the drivers running red lights and cutting me off like it was no big deal.
And then, of course, there’s the weather. The picturesque winter scenery is beautiful, but the endless gray skies began to wear on me after just a few days. The damp cold, the lack of sun—it can feel heavy.
Despite all the beauty and nostalgia of New England, I was reminded of why I love Arizona so much. The sun, the blue skies, and the almost perfect weather year-round create a sense of lightness. People there, though quirky in their own way, are generally more relaxed, except the Californian tourists 😊. The warmth of the desert is a soothing quality that the cold of the Northeast can’t match.
I love the vast desert landscapes, the mountain views, and the gentle sunsets. I enjoy the simple pleasure of breathing in the warm air and feeling the sun on my skin, no matter the time of year. While Massachusetts was magical during the holiday season, it is Arizona’s warm days and slower pace that truly felt like home.
Visiting Massachusetts was a trip down memory lane, reminding me of the things I love about the area—the history, traditions, and the beauty of the landscape. But it also reminded me of why I left—the stress, the weather, the fast-driving, and the occasional grumpiness of the people.
I’ll always carry a piece of New England with me, especially at Christmas. But after 14 years in Arizona, I’ve found the place that suits me best—where the sun shines, the days are peaceful, and the people are just a little bit happier.
