Thanksgiving is… next. week. Where has the time gone? This week, I shopped for Thanksgiving dinner without even giving the actual date much thought. Usually, I cook our meal and freeze it before visiting family for the holiday. I enjoy cooking up a meal and it’s always great to have backup because leftover plates don’t last very long. We like to eat until we can’t eat no more. No limits. No remorse.
This year, we plan on spending the earlier part of Thanksgiving Day at my mother’s house where a few family members will stop by. Then, we will spend the rest of day at Greg’s grandmother’s house with his parents and siblings. There will be face stuffing, Wii and board game playing, Black Friday shopping, and more face stuffing.
And come Christmas, we’ll be doing it all over again
…sans doorbustin’.
Since becoming a mom, I’ve been really set on being consistent with holiday celebrations. Not necessarily doing it big… but eventful at least. When Jayden gets older, I want him to remember Thanksgivings with family, dancing with Tee Tee, watching Grandma’s fish swim, stuffing his face full of spinach, snuggling his Na Na while Mommy and Daddy sneak off to buy Christmas presents. Those moments will become tangible memories (that he will share with his family) and not episodic fantasies once seen on TV.
How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Has parenthood altered your traditions… for the better?
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Honeyny716
Friday 25th of November 2011
Your son is adorable, my baby in Heaven (that passed in 2007) I named him Jayden, I just love that name. I hope you thanksgiving was good.
Jolene http://robertosmama.wordpress.com/
The Suburbanista
Thursday 17th of November 2011
My aunt just moved down from Rochester so her traditions have been altered greatly. She had a huge family up there with kids, grandkids then extended family. She would cook for two days. My family is small and we only do desserts the day before. We only ever had 4 people total so this year it'll be five. I make the mashed potatoes and complain the whole day. I believe its an excellent tradition I do my best to live up to each and every year
Amanda http://www.thesuburbanista.net
Helen Aarli
Wednesday 16th of November 2011
You are an exemplary Mom who is doing something wonderful. Giving your children wonderful memories that they will carry with them for their entire lives. A toast to you...
May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door.
Here's a favorite memory too. Grandmother Annabel is in the process of stuffing the turkey, adding the traditional seasoned bread stuffing, well-celeried, to the big bird. David, with all the intensity of a 5-year-old, is watching, and asking, ‘What are you doing, Grandma?’ ‘I'm stuffing the bird,’ [she informed him]. Later, David approaches the refrigerator where Big Bird is stored temporarily. He has a piece of bread in his hand. As he approaches the turkey, he holds out his hand and says, ‘Here, turkey. Eat!’
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jaelma U
Wednesday 16th of November 2011
Sheena - Family traditions are so important - its true! As our children grow they incorporated these beautiful memories and know how much they are loved! I love teaching my children how to create special traditions that have meaning to us and are not a copy of what they see on TV. We make ornaments each year for friends and family - make cookies together. celebrate Kwanzaa and more. It is sooo wonderful to hear my daughter say "Mom remember when we did .... and see her smile! Thanks for sharing - Hope you have a beautiful Holiday season! Jaelma http://www.themochalife.wordpress.com