Changing Thanksgiving Traditions

Once upon a time there was a family…I imagine many of you can relate… whose traditions on the holidays…they love to recreate. Who would eat Thanksgiving dinner with all the family gathered nigh… turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce…their desert…a pumpkin pie. And sometime in the evening, after all the dishes have been cleared It is time for PopPop to take a family portrait…it's tradition…every year. But divorce changed the family dynamic…which means we had to find a way to celebrate Thanksgiving…not always…on Thanksgiving Day. And then some of the family member grew up…and moved away… meaning a seat or two wold be empty…around the table Thanksgiving Day. Even though they cannot be there…due to their other obligations when the family gets together they are in our hearts and conversations. Next, two of the family members became vegetarians… their distaste for eating animals they cannot hide… So, when the rest of the family eats the turkey… they are content with eating sides. This year, after 35 years, of hosting…we celebrated with a buffet… at the house of one of our children and his wife…Thanksgiving brunch…on Saturday! All the family who could make it were there…and with a dog who would not be ignored the family broke up into teams for a friendly game of holeyboard. And when the game was over and all the dishes had been cleared the family member with the longest arms took a selfie…our family portrait for this year. Yes, once upon a time there was a family…I imagine many of you are relating whose traditions on the holidays…they are constantly re-creating.