Thankful for Tradition

Our family has divided holidays between Mom, Lisa, Judy, and myself.  We celebrate Christmas at Mom’s house, Judy and I alternate Easter at our homes and Lisa gets Thanksgiving.  Because of this, when someone asks me how I’m celebrating the holiday – I gratefully get to say “I don’t have to host or cook – I just get to enjoy the day!”

My kids leave earlier in the day to celebrate the holiday with their dad and with their significant others and I get to spend the day leisurely.  I usually sleep in as long as the dogs allow and then get myself up to watch a movie or something.  After a cup of coffee (or two), I may do a little bit of cleaning, or more likely, I spend more time relaxing in front of the TV.  By the time I need to go to Lisa’s house, I’ve had a relaxing day and I’m prepared for a little crazy time with family.

The entire family assembles at Lisa’s at varying times due to other obligations, each bringing some special treats.  Judy is in charge of something green (like a vegetable or salad) and the horrible lime/lemon jello with vegetables and a side dish of mayonnaise (puke), Mom is in charge of cranberry salad and appetizers, Louellen is in charge of green bean casserole and pumpkin pie, Lisa takes care of everything else.  My responsibility lies with the relish tray and dinner rolls.  (Tells you a lot about what they trust me to cook doesn’t it?!)

Lisa has an amazing setup for Thanksgiving which includes a huge table that seats almost all of us, but we do have the traditional “kids table”.  It’s a big deal in my immediate family when you get promoted to sit with the adults.  This year’s humor was that Nate finally got promoted and it only took him 25 years to get there! He was pretty excited!

My favorite part of the event is when Dad says grace.  He stands on the landing of Lisa’s staircase overlooking us all and recites his benediction.  I love the fact that after all these years, I now can say it along with him.  Lisa typed it out for him thinking that she was going to say it with him, but he brushed her aside telling her that there is no way he needed a cheat sheet.  After all – it was HIS benediction.

We eat, we talk, we laugh and just generally enjoy being around each other.  I’m amazed when I hear about other families that don’t get along.  In my family, that’s not an option and I’m so thankful.

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