Thanksgiving Traditions

Plain and Simple

Here come the holidays! 

Thanksgiving has long been a bit precarious for this place I call home. For 30+ years now I have lived on the other side of the country from my parents and siblings. Traveling “home” to the other coast for the major Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays became a real hassle.  So sometimes I get melancholy thinking that all my local friends have family nearby to visit while I didn’t–it was just us, our blended family with no aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.  It was a struggle to make these family holidays my own when I much wanted to be with my parents and siblings sharing the responsibilities of cooking and spending time together.  Creating a blended family often left me feeling left out.  So I  have spent decades learning to embrace our uniqueness and making creative heartfelt collections of unique traditions. (Is that an oxymoron?) 

I want to share with you some of the things that have been incorporated into the lives of my family.

1. The DINNER

Order up!!

This is something I cooked up quite some years ago (pun intended.) When I was part of a blended household and kids were coming and going on odd vs. even years and at certain times on Thanksgiving Day…I could barely keep it all straight. And so, one year, I decided to embrace our uniqueness and declare favorite dishes.  Everyone gets to place their order for something on the table.  Anything.   One year, the stepsons really tested this out and we had 4 kinds of meat on the table.  Sure we always have a turkey, but I also want duck.  We have had my famous mac n’ cheese, ribs, acorn squash, artichokes (out of season) , fried rice specifically from the Chinese restaurant up the street. You name it! I’m sure at some point someone ordered it and it was on the table.  (Hint: as the chef you don’t have to have a family sized dish of an item.  Some dishes no one will eat except the person ordering it, so, for example just one acorn squash is enough.  Also, ask about 2 weeks in advance. Some kids want to think about it and it gives you time to shop for ingredients.)

2. The “GIVING”

The day after Thanksgiving we have all the kids do a rather hefty clearing out.  They go through all the toys they either don’t really play with any longer or are ready to give up.  They know Christmas is just around the corner. So all the toys that are broken we get rid of but the ones that are slightly used, unused and really in decent condition we box up and put on the hearth.  The tradition goes that on the night after Thanksgiving Santa comes down the chimney to collect all unwanted toys.  He brings them back to the North Pole for inspection and repair and then on Christmas Day delivers them to children around the world who are thrilled to have them.  

I found my kids were always quite generous and honest. They played a part in sifting through their toys, making important decisions, letting go and doing good in the world by giving. There were times they surprised me by saying that some one could use a certain toy more than they. Or keeping a toy because it was something that my sister had given and it reminded them of her.  ( A child as young as 5 can do this!)

3. The THANKS  

Make a thankful collage.

Materials:

• Butcher paper & tape
• Markers
• Old magazines
• glue sticks
• scissors 

Are you going to have several kids around? Here’s a great idea to keep them working together on a creative project for a while.  Tape butcher paper to walls for each kid.  Have older kids help younger kids trace an outline of themselves. Have kids title it “I am thankful for…”  and then have them draw in their outline/silhouette with them wearing their favorite outfit.  Draw and cut out from magazines some things for which they are grateful.

All cousins and grandkids can take them home when they leave. It’s a great reminder for them and they can even add to it throughout the year. I would like to think they’d hang it on their bedroom wall.

4.  The BLESSING

Every year, no matter where we are, I read this excerpt of Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation. 

Some years I add a word or two here and there to bring poignancy to just how much it correlates to our current events and to bring folks back in. Beside me choking up absolutely every year, there is usually at least one other tear jerker in the house when they hear it. If I can plant a seed and bring someone to a point of inspiration and true appreciation, I consider that a GREAT day.  Luckily I have Abe on my side to assist. 

5.  A Holiday Movie

I know….really commercial right?!  The truth is, I really don’t enjoy going to the movie theaters to watch movies.  Honestly,  I critique them too much to enjoy them.  I think they are overpriced and the ridiculous amount of money that goes into them honestly, I find a little sickening. Hollywood so rarely meets my expectations that it’s not really ‘entertaining’ for me.  Sure, I go, once in a while but it’s just not my jam.  Sure I watch the movies years later on Netflix and I like them alright, even better than I would have had I paid $15 at a theater back when it was popular and ‘everyone else’ was going to see it.  

However, the feel good brightly colored family friendly movies that are released on Thanksgiving and Christmas day every year.  YEP!  I love going to those. If not right on Thanksgiving day then the next day…you know after the kids have finished with “the giving.” 

What are some of your favorite memories or traditions for Thanksgiving?