KathleenS posted on November 20, 2009 14:57
Traditionally it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and a general gathering of family and friends. I grew up in a family where we were thankful for our harvest and animals that we raised. Everyone would gather at my grandparents house, all the adults got to set at the big table while there was a smaller area/table set up for us kids. I was thrilled when I finally got old enough to set at the adult table. We always had so much fun, all the aunts and uncles, cousins and neighbors would stop by and everyone brought food. I have lots of happy memories from those days.....sledding (if it had snowed), playing monopoly, sometimes I would ride the go carts in the fields with my cousins and we all played piano, violin or clarinet. There was also alot of singing. I can't carry a tune, but I can play piano and several instruments and Grandma loved it when we entertained everyone. The whole family would join in.
As I got older, married and had a family of my own, I began traditions of my own. My husband was a military man so we traveled the world for 25 years and I always had a houseful of GI's at my home for Thanksgiving. Some didn't have families and some weren't able to go home. They were all welcome at our house and that became a tradition for us. My husband is retired, my children grown and I have grandchildren of my own. For the past 10 years, my immediate family as well as extended family & friends have gathered at our home for a huge dinner. This year we are going home once again. It's been 10 years since I've spent the holidays with my immediately family. My grandparents are gone now, but I still have my parents and sisters and their families so what a great day this will be.
My family lives in Ohio so I'll be doing lots of crocheting while my husband drives. Mom has already asked me to bring some new yarn so it looks like it's going to be a crochet & knit session while my grandson entertains us with his guitar and banjo music. Things are different and yet still the same. I am thankful for such a wonderful life and family.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
