Our Thanksgiving preparations actually begin way back in October. You see, we decorate for harvest starting on October 1st. When the 1st of November arrives, we start to add in some Thanksgiving specific decorations. The beginning of November also means that we’ll be doing some sort of a thankful craft. This year, we did the Gratitude Tree. Last year, we did the Giving Thanks Turkey craft. Whatever craft we do, the purpose is to remind us to remain thankful during the month.
Going gluten free changed how I prepared our Thanksgiving meal. For years, I used doctored up store products and didn’t cook nearly as much from scratch. Now, pretty much everything on our table is from scratch. One exception would be the cranberry jelly as both D and Munchkin like the jelly from the can. Some traditions, you just don’t mess with. lol!
A new tradition since we’ve been stationed here is that I prepare at least 1 turkey for the Marines and police officers on base who are working on Thanksgiving. Several people get together to make sure they all have their fill of a full Thanksgiving meal even though they have to work. I always give D a hard time because he volunteers me for turkey whenever it comes up. I guess I should take it as a compliment that he feels that I can cook multiple turkeys.
I am so grateful that Munchkin is helping me this year with Thanksgiving preparations. It’s going to be fun having her in the kitchen with me. I look forward to passing down recipes that I’ve changed to be gluten free. I’m looking forward to starting a new tradition of having my daughter cook by my side.
I try to have a special breakfast available on Thanksgiving morning. We eat our meal around noon or so. We’ll then take the food over to the staging area for the Thanksgiving meal for those who are working. After that, our day is usually filled with playing games, watching football, and lots of snacking on leftovers from lunch. Yum!
Oh, I almost forgot. I also make sure that I grab a newspaper because I’m one of those who enjoys the whole Black Friday experience. D looks over the ads and highlights anything that catches his eye. I plan things out. One of my favorite stops is at JoAnn Fabrics. They have some great deals on fabric which I always like to take advantage of.
Thanksgiving dinner also signifies the time when I’m allowed to listen to Christmas music around the house and start Christmas decorating. The signs of harvest start to be tucked away and the wonders of Christmas begin to appear. Nativity scenes start to decorate the house. Soon, it will be time to start our Advent activities….
As the day comes to a close, we eat a piece of pumpkin pie and settle in for a family movie. It’s a nice ending to a fun, food-filled day.
I am grateful for Thanksgiving Traditions old and new. I am thankful that I can spend time with my family and eat delicious food. I’m thankful that I can cook gluten free food for my family that allows them to feel good. I am also thankful that we started this gluten free journey to a healthier happier family.
This post is part of the Gratitude Challenge, GratiTuesday, and a Month of Thanksgiving.
I have to admit that i have already started to listen to Christmas music. I cook mostly from scratch but we do Thanksgiving at family’s house so I just bring things.
hip chick recently posted..being thankful 23 November
Hi, Heather! I think it’s great that your daughter will be cooking by your side. What a wonderful heritage you’re building! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts throughout this month. Thank you!
Blessings,
Christine
Christine recently posted..Month of Thanksgiving – Final Blessing 21
I enjoyed reading about your traditions. Your Thanksgiving sounds beautiful! And I LOVE those scarecrows in that picture. Scarecrows make smile.
Jen Unsell recently posted..Gratitude Challenge November 22nd
I love reading about other peoples traditions! When we were in the Air Force (Security Police)stationed overseas I always had all the single people from my husbands work over for Thanksgiving dinner.
Lisa McClanahan recently posted..Gratitude Challenge Day 23
It warmed my heart to read about your Thanksgiving tradditions, Heather, it tells me that that you and your family hold this holiday dear. We have so much to be thankful for, and this is special Thanksgiving for us, for both of our daughters and their families live here now and will be celebrating with us. I admit that I, too, have been listening to Christmas music because we have had over 8″ of snow the past few days and that always brings my thoughts to Christmas.
I hope you and your family and all of those you share a turkey with have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Laurie recently posted..What is Home
Sounds like a great Thanksgiving. We have started preparations here too, and it is fun to be able to have all the kids old enough to help. I have each of them pick one thing they would like to make for dinner. Have a fun time on Thanksgiving.
Jill recently posted..Day 23 Gratitude Challenge
Hi, Heather! Thanks so much for stopping by Magical Mouse Schoolhouse! I am following you too 🙂 I have some dear friends who learned just last year that 2 of their 3 kids are celiacs, and they are adjusting to new ways of eating. I’ll be sure to send them over to you for cooking ideas!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I’m very grateful to your family for serving our country in the US Marines! Thank you!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who loves the cranberry jelly, I love cranberry sauce too, but I’ve always loved that jelly! Thank you, for what you do to serve our service men on Thanksgiving; that is such an awesome thing.
Christi recently posted..Gratitude Challenge- Day 23
It sounds like you’ll have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and how precious to have your little girl helping! One of my boys likes the kitchen now, the other, not so much. Have fun on Friday! I’m not brave enough to go out into that, although, compared to what I live with every day, it might be relaxing. 😉
Catherine recently posted..Gratitude Challenge Day 22
We are similar…I enjoy listening to Christmas music from Thanksgiving Day onward; my cooking is from scratch for this meal (for many, in fact, but not all); my dad always wants cranberry sauce from the jar…he says, “I can tell if it’s the real deal because of the ridges imprinted on it from the can…you have to slide it out whole, or it’s not right!” 😀
I’ve enjoyed your posts this month, so glad you participated!Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and thank YOU for your family’s service!
Blessings,
Lori
IllinoisLori recently posted..A Month of Thanksgiving The Final Day- Thirty-One
How fun to have your daughter helping. Enjoy!
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing!