Tradition....

I've always loved this Norman Rockwell picture, Freedom From Want. It reminds me of our Thanksgivings with everyone gathered around the extra-specially set table with as many matching dishes and glasses as possible. Always the table requires the bread plate, wine glasses for the grown-ups, the crystal water goblets, the cranberries in the white ceramic dish that the recipe fits in perfectly. There are platters of turkey and ham, a great dish of mashed potatoes piled high and more mashed potatoes reserved in the kettle "just in case," more-than-enough gravy, and traditional dressing with no fancy nuts, sausage or berries in it. The strawberry-pretzel salad or the orange salad or both must also grace the table, and a relish tray -- the only vegetables except possibly for green bean casserole or a few chunks of squash that very few will eat. The brown bean pot is a regular at a holiday table as well. The punch bowl is set off by itself with tiny punch glasses or large ones for those who aren't so dainty about punch drinking. And lastly there is pie -- pumpkin, cherry, or peach and REAL whipped cream with hot coffee. Can you smell it?

But the best part of Thanksgiving are those who fill the chairs around this table.



Here are some old pictures of some very special people who once gathered to celebrate Christmas. My Grandma Kathryn is in the apron at the very end of this table.



And my Grandpa Ray is at the opposite end of the table in over-alls and white T-shirt. My dad (the boy winking) and his siblings are gathered with the best Aunts and Uncles Ever. Doesn't it look like a Rockwell painting? I share these photos today to remind you to enjoy every moment with those special people on the chairs at your Thanksgiving Feast. And by all means, take a picture! Your kids and your grandkids will thank you for it one day. I'm so glad I have this little piece of my family history.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
~I Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Thanksgiving!