Establishing Traditions

Twelve Years ago during Thanksgiving Matt and I were talking about the years past of holidays in the homes that we grew up in. Matt had always gone to his Grandma's house and had the huge family dinner...lots of cousins, food and family laughter. I, on the other hand, had grown up having Thanksgiving at home...sometimes with other family or friends. But my parents had always made it a big deal. My mom made a big spread all day..chips, dip, special breads, fruit...and then we had our traditional meal. While we snacked all morning we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving parade and watched my mom prepare a huge meal. It brings back such warm feelings thinking about it.

Matt and I decided that Thanksgiving that we wanted our kids to experience something similar...the traditions started in our home...the big spread, the Macy's parade, the fun in our own home. This was a difficult decision. We were still a young couple and we knew that it would hurt some feelings. But Matt and I felt it was important to start this tradition then.

Fast forward those twelve years...and we have established those traditions with our five kids. For weeks the kids have been talking about the Macy's day parade...the kids have asked me if I am making that "special" dip that I always make on Thanksgiving day. To see their eagerness and excitement has shown we made the right decision.

So, on this special day I will be cooking tons of yummy food and taking time to be thankful for all of God's blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!!!