picture from sweetieskidz.com |
Tom used to go small game hunting with his family when he was younger. Some of the animals they'd hunt were squirrels, rabbits, and doves. Watching the Thanksgiving parade on tv was another thing he'd look forward to every year. These days, Tom's family gets a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, and his extended family is so large that they usually get together to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas at the same time.
Steven also used to participate in small game hunting and watching the parade on tv. When he was little, his family would get together at his grandma's house every year where he would goof off with his cousins. After he started his own family, he took his own kids to his grandma's house where they spent time with his extended family. These days, Steven cooks the turkey every year with his perfected recipe (cook the turkey in an oven bag to keep it moist and juicy).
Stacey had a large family growing up and did not live near extended family, so they had to come up with their own traditions. All the kids were given Thanksgiving names for the day. The girls were named Patience, Prudence, Charity, Faith, and Hope. Her brother was usually known as John, except the year he proclaimed that he wanted to be known as Squanto! (This may or may not have been due to one of the hats he'd made at school and brought home.) Everyone was given part of the meal to prepare, also, including the one year they had "fuit" salad made by her then 2 year old sister. These days, Stacey's family has been known to play soccer in the park on Thanksgiving morning, and at dinner everyone takes turns telling their favorite part of the meal,
This Thanksgiving take some time to reflect on your family traditions and the memories they bring.
Happy Thanksgiving!