Is there a nicer holiday than Thanksgiving? It's my all-time favorite! It's about family, food, and giving thanks -three of the most important things in life. (Well, the food's not THAT important but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the heck out of it!) Thanksgiving doesn't have the sometimes crass commercialism of Christmas -no distractions of gift-buying, hectic schedules, filled with things to do and places to go.
It's a more serene time for us and I love that! In years past, I had the luxury of having others do the hosting and cooking. My oldest sister could cook a mean bird for my side of the family and my mother-in-law couldn't be topped when it came to a turkey dinner, for hubby's side. So why wouldn't I be a slacker when it came to Thanksgiving entertaining?
That would soon change. As our families grew, or loved ones passed, our traditions had to change. Families have to be flexible that way. The siblings began their own traditions with their own families and soon, the torch was passed. Our house soon became the Thanksgiving hub for our crew and it was wonderful. Not that I didn't have kitchen mishaps, like cooking the turkey with the "innards" still in the bird (who didn't do THAT?) or figuring the timing wrong and having to wait, impatiently, for the turkey to finish cooking. Lumpy mashed potatoes, runny gravy, tasteless pumpkin pie...it didn't matter. We were together and that was what the holiday was all about.
Like I said, with families, you have to be flexible, and although I'm a traditionalist, we, once again, needed to switch things up a bit. Now, we travel to what is more of a central locale for all of us - middle son's place, two hours away. I haven't shed the cooking responsibilities yet... nope, we just load up the car...sort of a "meals on wheels" trip, with the daughters-in-law bringing along their contributions, too.
I never fooled myself into thinking we were that family, from a Norman Rockwell painting, with hubby at the head of the table, carving the bird, while everyone sits in quiet anticipation of the feast. But I never thought this old home-body would take to the road for the holidays, either. The most important thing is we're together...and THAT'S what I give thanks for - the most!
I hope you're with loved ones, giving thanks for all the blessings in your life...and if you have to unbuckle your belt a notch or two because of all the terrific food, that's alright, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
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