Thanksgiving 2024

 Look around the table. What do you see? There are fewer kids at the children's table and two fewer settings than last year, as we remember those gone before us. Not too often we have so many relatives and good friends gathered here, but it does the heart good, even if visits are few and far between. It's a noisy room as siblings catch up on news from their towns and cities. Elder folks talk about times past and how the food has remained a tribute to grandparents keeping the old traditions alive.

The older sons helped set up the tables, putting in the leaves to accommodate everyone expected to show up. The girls polished the good silver, which was only brought out on special occasions. But in the kitchen, the real magic happened. Three generations of ladies had a job, and the mood was festive and heartfelt, along with a bottle of red wine. 

Snack trays were put out with mountains of crackers, five different cheeses, and sweet midget pickles that the kids grabbed when nobody was watching. 

When the doorbell rang, everybody went to the door to welcome a weary traveler who took the Red Eye to arrive in time or a distant cousin whose last-minute decision to attend this year was greeted with cheers. Soon, the house was packed with laughter and endless conversation as the wait was over and dinner was served.

An uncle whose age wasn't really known but was thought to be in the nineties, give or take, said Grace as heads were bowed and hands held. He liked to go on and would if his great-grandaughter hadn't cleared her throat and said, "Amen, let's eat."

The entire meal was beyond expectations, and when asked who wanted dessert, most said they needed a little while to let dinner settle. Men and boys retired to the living room and a football game while others cleared the table and began putting leftovers in Tupperware containers for those with miles to return home.

A while later, dessert was served, with an assortment of pumpkin and sweet potato pies, peach cobbler, strawberries with whipped cream, assorted cookies, and Grama's homemade fudge. As the day grew longer and the November air chilled, hot coffee and hot chocolate were served, and small talk replaced loud welcomes and cheers.

The next day, everyone who stayed over helped with the long family tradition of decorating the Christmas tree, eating leftovers, and cherishing the little time they spent together.

I hope your traditions live on with your family and friends, just as I know mine will.

                                    HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mike  2024