Food, Family, and Football
As I was looking for the Pretty, Pretty Princess picture of big T, I had the opportunity to look over many pictures from the past. It got me thinking about past Thanksgiving traditions.
Growing up, Thanksgiving meant that we were heading to my grandparent’s house in PA. That’s where my Dad’s side of the family got together each year at Thanksgiving. We would eat a huge Thanksgiving meal, watch A Christmas Story (“You’ll shoot your eye out!”), watch some football, and play lots of card games.
We’d also head up to the mountain. Sometimes, just the guys would head up to the mountain. Sometimes everyone would head up there. Often, the girls would head out to do some shopping at some local craft (handmade items) stores as well as the Amish stores.
As a kid, I remember playing in the creek with my cousins when they were home of furlough. My grandpa would hike with us up the mountain and tell us about nature. Once we got a bit older, we were allowed to participate in the turkey shoot. (Target shooting with handguns and rifles.)
This year will be the first Thanksgiving since my grandpa passed away. We won’t be there to participate in the Thanksgiving festivities, but I’m sure it will be a bit different without him there. Please pray for my grandma and the rest of my family as holidays are always more difficult.
I’m sure everyone will still enjoy all of the food and fun activities. My grandma will watch/listen to multiple football games at once. (I came by my enjoyment of football honestly. lol!) The girls will go shopping and the boys will go to the mountain. There will be fewer people there since we live all over the globe, but those who are able to get together will enjoy the time of fellowship.
As I reflect on old Thanksgiving traditions, I am grateful for those special memories. I am grateful for those special times with my family. I don’t think I really completely appreciated how precious those days were when I was younger. I was blessed to have a loving family. I am blessed to have a loving family who enjoys spending time together.
On Tuesday, I’ll be sharing some of our current Thanksgiving traditions.
This post is part of the Gratitude Challenge, and a Month of Thanksgiving.
that Turkey looks good!!!!
praying for your grandma and the rest of your family
jen recently posted..Fit Mummy Challenge – fourth check in end of 4th week
Wishing you all well. I must say you have a wonderful picture of a tasty looking turkey! Happy Thanksgiving!
Cathy recently posted..Mosaic-Macro MondayMonth of Thanksgiving
That’s a lovely post…though I have no mountains in my childhood memory (it’s ALL suburban!), I do have recollections of precious times of family and good friends gathered around the lovely Thanksgiving table that my mother set each year, complete with china and the “good silver” flatware, goblets, and centerpieces created by her (she’s a fantastic floral designer) made from branches from our own garden/bushes, nuts, fruits, and squashes. I have tried to recreate that in my home, but I don’t think I’ve made it to her level!
I’ve prayed for your Grandma, bless her heart. Thanks so much for sharing this blessing with us today! Oh yes…thank you for your kind comments, and I’m glad you enjoyed Bryan’s story in the ebook!
IllinoisLori recently posted..A Month of Thanksgiving Day Thirty
Sending you a hug this year~losing loved ones definitely changes family traditions. When I was a little girl, we went to Grandma’s house…they’ve all been gone a very long time. I have no extended family with which to enjoy these holidays, but are so blessed to have my Mom living with us now~so these memories are built each day. Have a blessed day and prep for the holidays! HUGS!!
Cheryl recently posted..2010 Gratitude Challenge- Day 21- Bountiful WRAP UPDelish Recipe!
I LOVED reading about your Thanksgiving childhood memories. What fun Holiday memories you have. Just reading it gave me a warm feeling and made me smile. I will be praying for your Grandmother and everyone else too. Holidays are so hard when a loved one has passed on. This will be the 2nd Thanksgiving without Bryans grandfather and it’s still hard.
Jen Unsell recently posted..Gratitude Challenge November 22nd
What joyful memories to savor! It’s wonderful you’re keeping those memories alive, even though they change a little from year to year. Thank you for sharing them with us. Blessings to you today, Heather!
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You have so many beautiful memories to treasure! I will be praying for your grandmother and your family.
Blessings,
Cheryl
Thanks for sharing your childhoood memories. It makes me think of mine.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Anet recently posted..Counting My Blessings – Day 29
Thank you for sharing your memories. I’ll keep your grandmother, and your family in prayer. It’s hard not to think about the ones we are missing.
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Oh, my… you made me cry. We had some great family traditions at my grandparents’ home too. Stuff I definitely didn’t appreciate as much as I should have when going through it.
Debra recently posted..The Summit- We have a winner!
I loved reading about your traditions. Many many memories to cherish. You and my daughter-in-law would get along great on those big holiday football days. She’s constantly channel flipping to get to see all that she can and even tho they live 400 miles away and won’t be here for Thanksgiving for the first time in I don’t know how long, I’m sure I’ll be able to hear her yelling and rooting for her teams all the way down here. Thanks for the smile and warm fuzzies.
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