Monthly Archives: November 2020

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday – at least as an adult. It is the one holiday of the year without expectations of gifts other than love…and there is always lots of love to go around. Everyone in my family, and sometimes people that had nowhere else to go, would gather at the selected house (loved it when it was held at my house) to eat…actually, overeat food of such deliciousness that I can’t describe how happy my taste buds were. But to me, Thanksgiving had less to do with the food and everything to do with the people. It was the joy of people trying to talk over the football game cheers while sipping wine, cooking, and hearing children laughing in the background. It was going for a slice of the chocolate pie, only to find my daughter and niece had once again, as years before, snatched it and ran off to hide and share between them. After dinner, our time would be filled with laughter as we played board game after board game. The laughter never stopped – then one day life changed, brought on by a few events, and Thanksgiving has never been the same. Now, cooking that perfect turkey, mash potatoes, and all the trimmings isn’t tapping on my shoulder, knowing the house will soon be filled with people I love, but it is still a day to be thankful, as every day is. It was never a stressful time for me, nor was it too much work for me – I miss it. I treasure the memories I have gathered throughout the years prior. I have some years that are my favorites, but in reality, all of my adult Thanksgiving memories will live in my heart deeper than any other holiday. Of course, having my daughter born around Thanksgiving brings added memories and a big smile filled with love…she is and always will be my “turkey baby.”

To Dan, the big draw in November is hunting – so, his focus is on the season…not the day, always thankful if he can fill the freezer. There is no big gathering with his side of the family, so it will only be my husband and me; regardless, I’ll work my magic in the kitchen with turkey, mash potatoes, and all the trimmings. Then it will be “let the games begin” as the two of us play Marbles (like Aggravation but with the added element of cards) and a few rounds of our go-to card games.

I’m so thankful for many things – my health, my safe home, the beauty around me, my love, and both of our families.

Life changes for the good and the not-so-good.  Am I sad about the changes Thanksgiving has taken on? Most definitely, but I’ll reminisce over the memories and be thankful for them, knowing it is more than some people have.

With COVID, life has changed in general for everyone around the world, so it is important to hold onto memories of special days. Even if the loss in the manner of how I celebrate Thanksgiving may cause a few tears to fall because those days are gone, it’s more important to smile and maybe even laugh over some of the fun moments I have had.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, no matter how you are celebrating. Hopefully, we will all continue to move forward, regardless of what life throws our way because life has meaning…no matter what that is to you, it is worth holding onto, treasuring memories, laughing with friends, sharing new moments, and praying for a better tomorrow.