I love sharing traditions with my boys and Thanksgiving seems to be the time of traditions. This made me think of my Thanksgiving traditions. To be honest, I tend to celebrate Thanksgiving differently every year. Sometimes I’m in my home cooking, sometimes I’m with my family, sometimes I’m with my friends, but the constant is that I’m always thankful for my blessings, and there’s football involved….somewhere.
Growing up I remember spending Thanksgiving with my family….grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My favorite part was playing cards with all the females in the family. It got competitive and loud and was full of laughter. When I got married we would spend one year with my family and the next year with his. Being introduced to my husband’s family’s Thanksgiving was very interesting and I’m sure my husband thought his experience was quite unique. After we had children, we decided that we would begin our own traditions in our home. It was fun and because we do not live near family, we made our own family of friends in Austin. Now I’m celebrating my 5th Thanksgiving without my husband. I decided to continue to celebrate with both our families and friends and continue the fun tradition of playing cards and watching football. These past years without him I realized that other people have something missing in their lives and how this time of year it can be so easy to forget that we are all not smiling on the inside, and we still need to show each other love and gratitude.
It doesn’t matter where I’m celebrating Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the amazing people I have in my life. My boys and I have been blessed with wonderful friends and the best family.
Remember to share your traditions and create new ones, but most importantly remember to show your love and gratitude to the loved ones in your life. It’s a beautiful time and it shouldn’t be stressful. When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, step back and think of the fun Thanksgivings in your past. Try to bring back some of your old traditions that you may have forgotten.
