THANKSGIVING

November 11, 2010

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It is one of my favorite family holidays. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have my husband who has put up with me for 37 years, four grown children, a son-in-law, two grandsons, and a granddaughter on the way. Both my husband and I have large extended families to whom we have close ties.

Our family Thanksgiving celebrations have changed over the years. When we were first married, we had a large extended family gathering at my brother-in-law's home. Often, it was a three day event. Our gathering place changed several times over the years with different relatives offering their homes for the rest of the clan. As each individual family grew, it wasn't always possible for everyone to attend. In fact, one year I had a baby the day before Thanksgiving, so my celebration was at the hospital!

As our kids grew up, went away to school, or got jobs, and I began to work outside the home. It became more difficult for my family to get away from home for the holiday.  That is when we started having our own individual family celebration. Even this was a big production since there were six people in our household.

Now, one of my daughters is married and spends Thanksgiving with her in-laws. Her family sometimes comes to our house that evening for dessert. Our oldest son has moved to the West Coast and celebrates with friends. Our other son and daughter are living nearby on their own. They still come to our house for a home cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Often, one of them will bring a friend. My daughter helps with the cooking, something she never did when she lived at home. Even better, she helps with the cleanup! Even though our traditions have been altered, I still enjoy this special holiday.
 
The library has a lot of books about Thanksgiving celebrations, recipes and craft ideas, such as Thanksgiving Fun; a Bountiful Harvest of Crafts, Recipes, and Games by Beth Murray.
 
Marcia C.
Raytown Branch