As I sit here on this cloudy Thursday holiday, cozied up in my oversized arm chair, a warm festive drink in hand and the rich smells of thanksgiving dinner fill the air around me. Football is buzzing on the television, Lions vs. Bears and the kids are giggling and chattering about fairies, fishing and frozen worlds (not in that particular order) with out a care in the world, I feel a great sense of contentment.
Were post “annual turkey day bowling,” (goofball right?) — a tradition we’ve now been doing for 10+ years, today in which I had my top score of 129 (I still lost), it may not sound very impressive to anyone but me, but I have hardly broken 100 in my lifetime. We’re still pre-dinner hungry puttering around the kitchen prepping the last couple side dishes for our holiday feast. My husband is eagerly checking the smoked turkey outside, excited to present his labor of love. This year we are thousands of miles away from our families and missing the craziness that comes with having a big family, however, I’m still joyous and ever pleased to be celebrating today, even if it is just the four of us.
We’re reminiscing on past thanksgivings BK (before kids), remembering our first attempt at a turkey in a bag in my tiny apartment in Inglewood, California. All the wild “you win it, you wear it” BINGO games we played after turkey dinner at my Moms house. Shaking our heads in disbelief about the one year we managed three different thanksgiving meals with our families spread out across town {NEVER to be done again}. Each year all looking a little different than the one previous, but equally banked in the depths of my memory to reflect on and smile about.
Lately I have found my self in a strange season of life. Nearly left feeling like a shell of myself that I can’t quite fully recognize. Perhaps its the season change, which I usually welcome with open arms, that I’m having a harder time adjusting to. Perhaps its more about the personal matters that are going on in my life. Maybe its nothing more than just a quieter “reflection season” in my life, that I’m learning to embrace. Either way, I have been feeling like an eternal bummer of a person lately which I can say with frankness and today is just what I needed to bring me back to life.
Regardless of the situation that I or anyone else may be in currently, it’s a day to take it ALL in. Its a day that should be a bit different than the rest, an extra dose of “wow I truly am so thankful.” A day to remember all the blessings you DO have, not fighting on Faceboook with Susan over politics or bumming about all the petty things we complain about (myself included). Its a day to gather and converse over your blessings in life. To sit next to your grandparents, that you are so lucky to still have and truly listen to wisdom that they preach. To laugh along with your mom as she talks about the epic fails of the holidays of the past. To finally settle the argument with your brother or sister over who actually is the worst at driving. To be thankful we can communicate via FaceTime with our family spread out over the world.
It’s a day to create your own family tradition that may be totally absurd to everyone else (ahem, bowling and bingo) but its your thing, YOUR tradition. Its about introducing your families odd-ball side dish you’ve had since you were a young child {mine happens to be a veggie tray of olives, sweet baby gherkins, and mini corn, judge away–its on the menu} its all apart of the uniqueness and joy of the day. Its a day to teach your children the importance of today and what it truly means to be thankful.
Even if you have to spend the day with your crazy in-laws who drive you batty {not me btw, I actually love my in laws}, or you’re being served a turkey lasagna with a side of boxed mashed potatoes (gick) or maybe you’re just getting off a 24 hour shift from work and are throwing together whatever you can find in the fridge. Today, Thanksgiving isn’t just about whats on the table, even though the food really is delicious, its about who’s gathered around the table; crazy uncle Louie, your half-lit aunt Carol, included.
Its a wonderful reminder to be grateful for what we have. To remember how good we have it– crazy or not and to cherish the memories being made knowing your truly surrounded by people who love you. That’s what it’s all about.
Wishing you and your family the happiest Thanksgiving Day! Now its time to dive in to my own yummy feast. Gobble Gobble.
sunshinestateofmine 