I have become less fond of Thanksgiving the last ten years. First of all, me, Joe and our kids usually end up doing it alone. No big event. No warm, large, extended family gathering. We used to have them. And, sadly, we had more when we lived states away from our extended family, because we would always be invited to share the holiday with friends or families from church. I have tried to invite people over (who might not have a place to go), and create a gathering, but that has never worked out. I have tried something out of the norm, and went to Old Country Buffet. Read last year's entry about Thanksgiving, and you'll see what a fiasco THAT was.
This year, Joe's parents are still living in another state, my side of the family is somewhat estranged etc., and no one has invited us to join their extended family gathering. I thought about going and serving a meal at a homeless shelter or something. It's still a thought, but we'll probably just be alone again.
We do, however, have a Thanksgiving tradition. We go see a movie. Yes! The movie theaters are open! We have done this since the girls were very little. This year, we are going to see "Bolt." It just looks hilarious, with that little hamster in the ball who thinks he's the hero's sidekick. HAHA!
All in all, I am finding it less depressing that we are, once again, spending Thanksgiving by ourselves. I still wish that my children could experience the warmth and belonging of some of the gatherings we have shared with other church families. Not that we can't when it's just us, but it's just not the same. I think I have resolved the angst, by realizing that I may have to wait until my children are married and start having children to have the kind of family, holiday gatherings I am dreaming of. Then, I can be the Nana who cooks and does special things with the kids, and know I am providing THEM with memory of warmth and love and belonging.....
So, I'll make the full Thanksgiving spread this year for my little family. I will enjoy it, because I haven't cooked like that in awhile. I will enjoy it, because I will be off from school and I can just hang with my husband and my children. I will...
I just have to stop writing, because my kitty just put her face into my purse, and pulled out a new maxipad and started carrying it off....HAHAHAHAHA!!!
OK. I will be thankful because I have a God as my Father who loves me with an everlasting love, and has given me a healthy, loving husband and healthy, great kids. (And, a weird cat)
SO - what are you doing for Thanksgiving? Or, what do you WISH you were doing for Thanksgiving (hee hee)??
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7 comments:
The interruption by the cat had me laughing out of my chair!
you all will have fun, I know you will.
We are off to western NY to be with ALL of Andy's family. Chaos I tell ya, chaos. And, his mom's in a nursing home now, ick. Will be a bittersweet trip.
I'll pray you have a wonderful time, and that your mother-in-law can find joy even though she is in the nursing home. I'm sure she will love to see your baby....
The last few years we have been together with a few of my wifes sisters and brothers with their families. This year will be the same at her sisters home. The only difference is I will be on the overnight shift during Thanksgiving and will probably come home and sleep all day. I cracked up remembering your families great experience at Old Country Buffet. I guess you guys will miss the sounds of old people eating. :) I could've told you that would happen. I have always thought about bringing a meal to some homeless people or something like that. It never gets past a thought.
I kinda wish I was staying home. Last year was our first year home alone (like you spoke about) due to moving to another state. It was long and sad, but we had lots of family time together. And, we learned how to make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Being the "kids", we've never been allowed to cook it. It was yummy, too. But had too many left overs. This year I'm traveling back to California for my sister's wedding. And that will be wonderful. Still, I'm wishing for unhurried time alone. But instead, I get at least 4 days of complete chaos, starting Wednesday! Still, the wedding will be great, so I have my hopes up for that. Pray for no kid tantrums, though. That's my biggest fear!
OOh - California! Enjoy some sun for me! :)
I am meeting my parents halfway between here and home. Thank GOODNESS. I don't have the girls this Thanksgiving, and I don't know what I would have done otherwise!
I'm so glad you won't be by yourself. :) I hope you have a wonderful time with your parents. Happy Thanksgiving.
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