Giving Thanks On Thanksgiving

Throughout the years, each of us has experienced the ebb and flow of the Thanksgiving celebration. When we were youngsters, we enjoyed the women gathering in the kitchen to prepare the feast. It was the women’s domain, and it was wonderful to watch the joy of the cooks preparing, from scratch, their favorite dishes. The men knew not to step foot into the kitchen, but were content to watch television while the wonderful smells filled the home. Sometimes when I think of those days, it seems like snap-shots from year after year – old faces would fade away and new babies would appear at the table. Thanksgiving reflections of yesteryear are a blessing to each of us – we are able to remember those family and friends that have passed on but are still alive in our mind’s eye. Nowadays, family life has changed and everyone is busy working, which includes most of the mothers. So, when Thanksgiving comes around, everyone helps cook the dinner – even the men! Also, some restaurants and stores now offer complete Thanksgiving dinners to go – all you have to do is heat it up. And with the help of a microwave, cooking time is cut from hours to minutes. But, a few of the favorite dishes are still made and passed down from mother to daughters and sons. With everyone pitching in, everything tastes that much better when you all sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It is amazing how times and food preparations have changed, but the blessings of Thanksgiving have not. In addition to the food, we are also thankful for the memories of our relatives and blessed to be able to prepare some of their old recipes, which allows a piece of them to live on in our lives. But, the most important part of Thanksgiving is to be thankful and blessed for the loved ones that are able to be with us and to continue those family traditions. Here’s wishing you all a very blessed Thanksgiving!