Thanksgiving Traditions

[TheBerryCottage(KimS)]

Thought it would be nice to hear if anyone has traditions that they share with family and friends from year to year? Especially at this time of year when it's so important to be thankful for all that we do have.

My family tradition really takes place the day after Thanksgiving...well to back up..traditionally - we are always with our family for the holidays - it wouldn't be complete without visiting with them all.

But our mini tradition so to speak..something my husband and I started the year we got married was to start decorating early Friday morning and we go constantly all weekend long until the entire house is completly decorated..now when we were newlyweds and not much "stuff" we got done quicker and we able to sit back and enjoy sooner..now some 16 1/2 years later, three kids, two dogs, a cat and Tizzy...it sometimes takes us all weekend and a few hrs. through the week the following week to finish. But we look so forward to all of us being part and lending a hand and new ideas we come up with each year. The kids love it and it really makes us feel happy and excited to spend that time together every year.

Well just thought I'd share mine...

Looking forward to hearing everyone elses'..

Kim
www.TheBerryCottage.com

[strawberricandle]

What I remember most is going to my grandma's house, sitting on an ironing board set between two chairs for all us kids, let's see there were 8 of us.
Then, my mom took over the Thanksgiving feast, and when my girls came along, they had their time with their Nana, making cranberry sauce and squishing the squash...mom got ill, I took over, my kids are getting so big...
eventually grow up and got married. Now, I still do Thanksgiving...no grandma anymore and no mom. It was laid on my shoulders to carry on the traditions as usual. So, this year I will have my sister, my 2 daughters and their husbands, and one of my step-sons. Life moves on, but Im so glad I have happy memories of Thanksgiving.....
Sorry I get mushy around this time of year...thinking of mom and grandma. I know they are looking down at me and giving me the thumbs up.
Someday, I will grow too old to do it anymore, and my youngest daughter will take over (somehow I know this) and I will go to her house. And then when MY grandchildren come along....goes on and on.
((hugs)) Nancy~

[TheBerryCottage(KimS)]

Oooh Nancy..you have me filling up...but yes, this is how life goes. Isn't it funny how you know exactly who will be filling your shoes? It's something a mother just knows. I'm very, very, very close to my family and especially my Mom - she and I think so much alike it's scary. And she'll tell me things like you just said. I too have a daughter..and it's just something we are born to know..

I'm sure you will have a very nice Thanksgiving with your family - just being together is what it's all about..even if there was no turkey...and just peanut butter sandwiches...it's just the time spent together.

Enjoy..and let us know how all went.

Hugs,
Kim
www.TheBerryCottage.com

[sandikpta]

I'm from a big family of 10! Growing up my folks would pile 8 of us in the car and go to grandma's . (no we did not leave 2 at home they did not arrive til many years later...mom had 6 of us in 7 years and the otherw were tag afters). Anyway it seemed like we drove for hours but now i know it was only 30 min. We'd eat and then help my grandparents put up their silver tree. Funny now we decorate Thanksgiving night and 2 years ago i found a vintage silver tree with the light wheel just because my wonderful hubby wanted it.
We still go to both parents and eat but we only have 2 kids so the car is alot less crowded. Sometimes it doesn't seem less crowded with 2 teenage girls.
Kim how old are your kids?
sandi