Graphic created by Lucas Seidel Design

Gather 'round the open fire for Chimneyside Chats - a monthly feature with holiday stories from our favorite artists. See what's in their stockings this year as they reminisce on Christmas memories, share their favorite recipe and more! Here's what actor and musician Michael Devine had to say: 

Having spent so many years as a first responder, there were countless holidays for which I wasn’t able to be home with my family. As such, we established the unusual tradition of re-creating the holiday a day or two before or after the actual date. I recall many spoiler-free Friday Thanksgivings and Day-After-Christmas Christmases. Thankfully, my family was as patient during those years as they were loving. We worked so hard to create an alternate holiday, sometimes the only apparent difference was the date on the calendar. I never felt cheated, I actually felt doubly blessed.

I worked in Manhattan so I would find myself at the Rockefeller Christmas tree on Christmas morning or working midnight mass outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In 2001, I spent Thanksgiving at Ground Zero. That year restored perspective to a degree I hope to never lose.

Having retired from the NYPD this past September, this holiday season will be the first in a long time that I won’t have to work. In 2020 more than ever, home has become a safe haven. I’m ready to deck the halls, bring the figgy pudding and embrace this season of peace, joy and hope.