Every family has their own traditions, those rituals that you look forward to every year no matter how simple or dorky they may seem to outsiders... or at least I really hope that you do. My family has a longstanding tradition that even if only carried out in our hearts and minds on Turkey Day will be a part of each of my cousins', siblings' and aunts and uncles' fondest memories... guaranteed. We are not extravagant people, we don't do fancy, dressed up or color-themed... Where accommodations meant floor space, table decor meant butcher paper and some good markers, excitement meant the chicken coop before anyone else and entertainment was the latest lesson on the out of tune piano that accompanied wrestling matches... These are some of the fondest memories of my childhood... an overcrowded house full of loud people just happy to be together and rows of dirty shoes lined up on the deck outside. This may sound redneck to the majority but I wouldn't trade it for the finest table setting or gourmet food... This WAS my family. The scenery has changed in recent years... The farm is gone, the house is nicer, but for the first time in quite awhile, I am headed back to that "place" in my memory to revisit that coveted tradition. A few reminders as we go into the holiday season.
Enjoy your family, no matter how loud, backwards or stubborn
Enjoy the company, no matter how crowded (or how often you are allowed to flush the toilet)
Enjoy the food, even if it was beheaded in the backyard the night before
Enjoy the entertainment... regardless of what Monte Python movie has been chosen
Enjoy the tradition, even if (or especially if) it is cards and beer...
It is that "place" in your heart that counts... those fond memories of family and what it means to simply be together..
Happy Thanksgiving
3 comments:
Haha. Now I understand your blog comment. ;) Our 2 posts were perfect timing, lol. BUT in all seriousness, this is an excellent post with some good wisdom. <3 A happy holiday is where your heart is and memories are....paper plates or the breakable stuff.
I enjoyed reading this, you are such a great writer. =) Cute pictures too! there were a few familiar faces. haha I always thought it was awesome that you had soo many cousins, your families always seemed to be doing something fun. I hope you start feeling better lady! Have a great Thanksgiving! Love ya.
I missed this before ... sounds exactly like the Thanksgivings I had as a child! I know you treasured those memories especially this Thanksgiving.
But I have to ask ... who is it with his hands in his underwear?? Do I even want to know?!
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