Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

“Six-seeeeven.” If that’s a phrase you heard during holiday gatherings last week, no, I don’t know what it means, either. But that’s the fun of a generation gap, isn’t it? That’s also the topic Grace is exploring this week—and I’m so glad you’re here to juggle it with us. 

Dear Grace,

In a world that’s ever-changing, how do you engage the teens of the younger generations? As usual, us grandparents are older, and their life seems foreign because of technology. Holidays are coming up, and it’s my big chance. Answer back.

— Wannabe Good Grandma, Ohio

Dear Wannabe Good Grandma, 

Good for you for asking this question! It’s tempting to dismiss things (or people) who are different from us or hard to understand. But instead of giving up on your grands, you reached out and asked for help. 

Building a relationship with your grandkids isn’t like a light switch that you can turn on in one day (or one holiday season). It will take time to get to know each other and build trust. But all the best things take time, and being close with your grands is worth it. 

Let’s talk about how you and your grands can find some common ground, despite generational differences…

If you didn’t have one before getting together for Thanksgiving, it’s likely you’ve got one now: What family secret are you tiptoeing around?

While this has been out of the bag for a few years now, I’ll go first. Growing up, I had a beta fish named Beta (original, I know). One day before school, I found Beta “belly up” and told my mom I didn’t think he was feeling well. When I came back home, Beta—who was blue in color—was suddenly red. I told my mom Beta looked different. She said the color change must’ve been part of his healing process. 

I didn’t find out until I was nearly an adult that my sweet older brother had driven to the store that morning to replace my deceased fish, but they didn’t have any blue ones. He bought the red one, swapped the fish, and crossed his fingers that I’d buy the story. Nowadays, we burst out into laughter any time someone mentions “Beta 1 and Beta 2.” 

So what unhinged secrets came to light over the weekend? Or which one are you still holding onto, hoping Christmas gatherings keep it at bay? Spill your not-so-secret secrets at amie@couriernewsroom.com—just be sure it’s something you’d be alright with me potentially sharing as a response to this question in Friday’s newsletter! 

We’re sharing a quick roundup of neat things to do over the weekend. Have an event you’d like to see featured? 💌 Send it my way!

Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. (Salem)

Come ready to shop, fellowship, and enjoy. The Lighting of the Salem Christmas Tree and the Salem Christmas Parade kick off at the Salem Public Library. Local shops will be open, and food and drink vendors will be on site for the festive event. Click here for more information.

Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 & 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. (Haymarket)

There’s an exciting opportunity for folks who prefer handmade holiday gifts. The Crossroads Arts Alliance Holiday with HeART Market is open every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20 at the Haymarket Museum. Find out more here. 

Monday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. (Richmond)

The Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is in full swing. From now until Jan. 4, a million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, and more dazzle nightly, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets are required for entry, and more information is available here. 

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