Christmas Eve in Wisconsin
✨ Featuring Kevin Alexander
Hello, and welcome to new subscribers!
Today I'm featuring a piece by Kevin Alexander. I met Kevin in one of my writing groups. He writes about music - a lot. So much.
Honestly, I don't know how he has time to write as much as he does.
His writing is genuine, thoughtful, and I always learn something from his newsletter, On Repeat (yep - it's about music).
An enormous thank you to Kevin for contributing this killer piece about his family holiday traditions. It's great! Let's go.
Christmas Eve in Wisconsin
We'd had enough.
By 2009, we'd had enough of non-stop requests for our time. Of the constant demands to buy shit. Of endless ads commanding our kids to tell us to buy shit.
We were burnt out on social media- before 2016, Cambridge Analytica, and all the stuff that happens in various hell spaces. Platforms were still in the cat pics era, and we already hated it.
My wife's family had long-standing traditions. Mine didn't; even if they did, they were all 1800 miles away. We had a young family, and being burnt out meant the time was right to start our traditions.
So we did.
The Wisconsin state capital is a beautiful building. The city sits on an isthmus, with the building as its centerpiece. The state's mascot, Lady Forward, stands sentinel over it all. It's open year-round to everyone. Locals refer to it as the people's house, and it's a piece of real estate most Badgers feel they own a little bit of.
Each year, a tree is selected from somewhere in the state and placed in the rotunda. School kids state-wide make decorations for it, and trustees from area correctional facilities help install & decorate it (it /is/ the season of redemption, right?).
It's also one of the few places open on Christmas eve.
All of that to say that we decided to make a Christmas Eve Day visit to the capitol our first--and to date longest-lasting-- family tradition.
After an excellent breakfast with "good" coffee, we head downtown. NOTE: In this case, good coffee only means French press or freshly ground—the bar's pretty low when you're on a steady diet of Folgers.
It's a short drive (another factor in establishing this tradition). Each year we try to take a picture on the steps leading in. Sometimes it's a selfie; sometimes, someone takes it.
One of these years, we'll get one where all our eyes are open.
The building feels like walking into a time machine - there are high-tech cameras, and the wifi is decent, but by and large, it feels like it must've when it opened.
From narrow halls on each corner, the dome opens up before you. It's a beautiful space made even more so by having the tree there. We spend time poring over the ornaments and talking about where they came from.
What's it like in Omro?
Where the heck is Mequon?
How did the ones from Bayfield get here?
The decorations come from all corners of the state. It's a great way to learn Wisconsin's geography.
There is even a train running around the base. It feels like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Initially reacting to the white noise and compulsive consumption of the holidays, this trip has become a throughline in our lives.
The first year both kids came in strollers. This year our oldest will likely drive us there. We go every year, no matter the weather or other plans. For us, this is what Christmas means; Family time, learning about the world around us, and a little fresh air.
On the mezzanine, various groups post small displays. They run the gamut from deeply evangelical to agnostic. It's a great way to learn about beliefs, including ones that might differ from ours.
We take our time reading each one and talk about how not everyone sees the world the same way we do and why that's okay. And it's Madison, so there's a Festivus pole. We try to get a picture in front of it every time.
One of these years, we'll get one where all our eyes are open.
Kevin Alexander is an independent music journalist based in Madison, Wisconsin, where he writes the On Repeat newsletter. Connect with him and see his work at: Substack | Twitter | LinkedIn
PLAYLIST
It's time for the playlist, friends.
I thought if I was featuring Kevin, I'd have to include his writing on the week where I share a playlist. So, here we go!
This playlist was generated based on what I listened to most throughout the year. I'm sure you'll recognize many of these songs if you've been listening along this year. If you're new here - enjoy an upbeat and eclectic mix.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Rest when you can. Pour your favorite drink, put your feet up, and pet your pets.
Until next time.
Peace,
Kit
Have a tradition or celebration you'd like to share?
I'm always on the lookout for personal stories for Traveling Money. If you'd like to write your own story, I welcome that.
I'll also write it for you! Share your story with the world. We can all learn from each other.
Give me a shout by simply hitting reply to this newsletter, or you can download the Substack app and join the chat room. 💬
Kit Campoy is a former retail professional turned freelance writer based in Southern California. She covers Web3, travel, leadership, retail, writing, and more. She also writes personal essays on Medium. Connect with Kit on LinkedIn, DeSo, and Twitter.
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Thanks for the kind words and letting me share our story! It was a blast to write.
Awesome playlist too. Every time I listen to The Linda Linda’s I get about 2 songs in and it hits me that they’re not even out of high school yet. Just amazing.
What a fun trip Keven created and shared! I can see why you two connected. And a new playlist to boot!!! Thanks!