Thanksgiving has always been one of those times of the year that I have enjoyed. The fact that it has always meant family and the start of the holiday season plays a big part. As a young child we always had Thanksgiving at my maternal grandparents’ and Christmas at my paternal grandparents’. I found a photo this summer while cleaning out my parents’ house of what must have been my first Thanksgiving. That meant there were only three of the seven cousins in the pictures – a 2 year old, a 1 year old and a 3 month old. And we were all dressed up. That’s the way we used to do things. As we became older Thanksgiving moved to my parents’ house. Special foods and special plates and dishes always came out on Thanksgiving.
What am I thankful for? I have asked that question of children every year as a teacher and have received many kinds of answers. But for me, there are many things for which to give thanks. I am thankful for family and friends who have impacted my life. I am thankful to have been born at the time I was and to have experienced so many things – both good and bad - that others have not. I remember black and white TV and The Mickey Mouse Club and where I was a few days before Thanksgiving on November 22, 1963. All of those people and experiences are part of who I am today.
I’m also thankful for the traditions and the foods that have been shared by parents and grandparents. We may not need “the” turkey platter or “the” gravy boat this year, but they are here to remind us of Thanksgivings when we were all together. And the same good food will be served – the turkey and dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy, the creamed onions and green bean casserole and the stuffed celery and the cranberries, and homemade pumpkin pie for those who like that (I’ll make my cookies for me!).
All in all, I am thankful for the traditions which have been passed down in love from one generation to another. It doesn’t matter who will be there on Thanksgiving Day. Our Thanksgiving will be the smallest we’ve ever had. It matters that we remember and give thanks for all that it means to each of us. When I sit down on Thanksgiving Day, I will give thanks for those special people who will be looking down and smiling and I will remember with love.
