holiday feasting and giving thanks........

Tomorrow will be a day for most of us to gather with family or friends.... to get on with the process of turkey carving, and giving thanks that all who made it to the table will be richly rewarded with that favorite part of the big bird we place in front of us. We will then loosen the top buttons of our pants as we settle in to watch the parade or football games that will be playing continuously on TV for hours. As we root for our favorite team to win, or best float of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.... we will know that snoozing is part of the process, indeed it is expected.

The trip back to our respective abodes will be sent with many well wishes of a safe travel on sketchy road conditions for some.... all the while knowing that the care package sent with us will provide snacks for a midnight raid on our refrigerators later. Another holiday looms it's presence one short month later, and we force ourselves to get up in the wee hours Friday morning to stand guard at the local Walmart to snatch that coveted gift..... to perfect in price to not sacrifice some sleep over.

Not me. For the last twelve years, I have passed over the Thanksgiving holiday. I have sent off hubby and son to relatives to enjoy, while I turned up the Christmas carols on the radio, and took out the baking pans to make cookies and breads. I chose to be alone. It wasn't that I was not thankful for all I had, or all I had accomplished... rather it was a day I could reflect on all I had learned from a master. It was my homage to my Mom, who passed away on Thanksgiving in 1978. I get a little weepy still on Thanksgiving... and given my nature of not losing all control in front of people, I like to weep alone as well. I don't do puffy face well in front of people.

This year will be a little different though, as I plan to make the trip up to Sylvania, Alabama, where my sister-in-law has the honors of making the feast for the whole family. Being in their company, and joining in with their wit and laughter is the best medicine, I have found. The banter is friendly, the company a blessing in itself, and the food (traditionally) a whole family participation event. No one person does everything.... we all contribute with our favorite dishes that wouldn't make it Thanksgiving without. There are no embarrassing moments, no fights, no awkward moments. Only laughter rings from the table... except in the moments when everybody is stuffing their mouths with more delectable goodies. I won't have time to think about anything other than I have made the right decision to come along this time. I can save the weepy moments for later.... like I will the cookies and breads. All things will get done in due time.... and I will have another wonderful memory of the good people in my life to tuck away.

To all who celebrate.... to all who struggle with the turkey to get it carved just right... and to all who overstuff themselves.......... have a wonderful and safe holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving!