Once again, we’ve done it. 25 brilliant essays by 25 talented writers across 25 Christmassy days.

Bringing back A Very Sufjan Christmas has been a blast and a much-needed jolt to my holiday spirit. Starting this project over again from the top has given me the sense that everything is back on the table, that the possibilities are endless.

That came to fruition as December rolled on and we shared one incredible piece of writing after another. Many of these were penned by friends or loved ones, but also a fair number of people I’ve never met. These are all individuals who wanted in just for love of the season and appreciation of Sufjan’s songs. It’s an absolute honor to be let into their Christmases in this way, and a blessing to be behind the scenes of this big outpouring of Christmas spirit.

After a few years away, I had forgotten how much work it takes to keep a project like this running at its intended speed. It’s a lot of bugging people over email, late nights in Google Docs, and early mornings sharing stuff on multiple different social media channels. I had a ton of help this year from Aly Eleanor, a talented writer, musician, and creative force whom I’m lucky to know.

Beyond that, I just want to thank everyone who was involved with this project as a writer or a reader. Every essay published, shared, and enjoyed felt like an additional yule log tossed on the communal fire. Picking this back up makes me feel connected to my own Christmas past, present, and future. It’s an all-encompassing appreciation, and getting a peek into each writer’s relationship with the season and these songs is truly a privilege.

This year is likely the last holiday I’ll spend in my childhood home, and that’s been an odd thing to navigate as my family and I carry out many of our cherished traditions, knowing in the back of our minds that this is the last time we’ll be doing things in this exact way… but the thing is that’s the same case every year.

Of course it’s wonderful to be back home with my family and indulging in our traditions, some of which we’ve known for almost three decades, but now I look out and wonder what future holidays will bring. It was a joy to return to A Very Sufjan Christmas one more time in this context before a Christmas that might look completely unrecognizable next year. It’s scary to think about how wide-open that feels, but it’s also exciting to know there’s room for a whole new host of traditions and people and food and love.

I am a creature of routine, and change is the enemy of routine. Routine is also not good in and of itself. It can be comforting and helpful, but it can be a false prison. Sometimes with routine, you squint hard enough and you realize it’s actually a compulsion. It’s also worth noting that there’s a difference between routine and tradition. A routine is commonplace, a tradition is sacred.

This project has been a beautiful tradition, and I’m overjoyed to share it with you all. Thank you for the gift.

Until next year. 🎁

– Taylor Grimes