2025 packed quite a punch, both good and bad, and our heads are still spinning a bit. A death in the family, a divorce, 2 weddings, 2 moves, a job change and empty nest. Our immediate and extended family was kept on its’ toes for 12 months straight and we hope to catch our breath in the new year. As the holidays approached this year, I was unsure what to expect, but I knew I wanted it to be special. Whether we were continuing with traditions of old or starting new ones, I prayed that the memory making would continue- and it did!
This year, the changes began in November, when for the first time we did not have all 4 children around the table. As sad as I was about it, my heart was at peace knowing that my daughter was not alone, but instead being loved up by her new family and getting to show off her new digs in Georgia to her in laws. We instead kept track of each other, as we have since her move in August by texts, calls, letters and facetimes. Our encouragement took on different forms but was always there and she knew it. The tears flowed at times, but the excitement grew as well, knowing she would be home in December!
December arrived and we did most of what we have always done – we attended tree lightings, Christkindl markets, the lights at the zoo and this year I also was blessed to attend an Advent Tea at my school. We changed the dates of several events, but they were still special and helped to bring the Fa La La to a month that attempts to race right past us. Our annual Extended family party that has historically been held the week before Christmas (to insure that all of my college kids were home to celebrate) was changed to December 27th so that our Georgia peaches could be in town to enjoy the family as well. This once again proved that it is not the date on the calendar but the people surrounding you that brings the magic.
As different as this season has been- the nostalgia still remained strong. The same chocolate treats were made and devoured on our dessert trays, the same Christmas cactus was praised as she miraculously bloomed for the holiday as if she had a calendar hidden somewhere, and the same songs made me cry on Christmas Eve. I still dreaded the clean up after it was all over, and still want to keep my tree up until February so I can enjoy her soft light in an otherwise dark room. I’m so very grateful for a season of change that was also filled with the joy of old times. I pray that 2026 brings the same type of balance.
Whelp. It’s not often that I am at a loss for words. Ask my husband, he’ll tell you 🙂 But here I am at the first few lines of the newest chapter in our family book, and I’m at a loss.
On Sunday, our youngest child turned 20. No more teenagers, all four of our children are now adults and learning how to independently find their way in the wild, so to speak. In addition to that milestone, our oldest daughter (one of the two that was recently married) came and took the rest of her belongings to her new home that she now shares with her husband. What the WHAT?!?! Did both of those big things truly have to happen on the same day? Her room is so empty. I may have sat in the middle of it and cried – and by “may have”, I mean I definitely did. Too many emotions. Too much quiet. Too much open space. The emotions running amuck I am used to – but the quiet and clean and empty – no. There are now 3 rooms that sit unoccupied at the moment – although the dog and cat have each claimed a space as their own. The beds remain in hopes of an overnight visit – but the rooms remain unused.
It’s pretty easy to spiral and sit with the photo album and reminisce about the smell of a baby fresh out of the tub, the yells on the sideline of a 3rd grader’s soccer game, or the anticipation on Christmas morning while all four waited (not so patiently) as my Hubby and I filled our coffee mugs before digging into the gifts. Happy memories – so why the water works? Would I really want to relive all of those years – they weren’t all pretty or fun. A lot of it was tiring, frustrating and repetitive. I think the sadness comes when I realize that the chapter of raising young ones is over. Done. And yes, that’s sad. I will never have young children again . BUT – I am absolutely loving the adults that we have raised. And it’s perfectly OK to have sadness, hope, grief and joy in your heart all at once. I rarely experience only one emotion at a time, and I’m pretty sure that is normal. As the children have grown, I have written quite a bit about the many highs and lows we as parents experience. Every new experience from entering Kindergarten to leaving for college forces us to accept that our children are going to someday live on their own and call us less frequently. Sigh.
Don’t get me wrong – my Prince and I are truly finding a lot of joy in our new schedule. We stay up late and try to sleep in. We go out to eat more often – happy hour King and Queen to be certain! We take more trips and don’t have to think about childcare while we are away… but we still have the cat and dog, sooooooooooo… And we are busy thinking about how to use the rooms that are currently available – a new office, perhaps, or should we just let the cat have her own room?! We bought a new Christmas tree, because our adult children had the audacity to move out and take the ornaments that we had purchased for them for just such an occasion. Our 12 foot tree would look pretty bare without all of those bulbs and such, so we downsized a bit (only 11 feet this time!) and are excited to have a new focal point this Christmas. All in all, we are taking it all in stride. Figuring it out one holiday at a time.
Our nest may be “empty”, but that simply means we have space for visitors and a less busy schedule to help or socialize if asked. I have been reminded that as a parent, watching our children leave the house and become independent, happy adults is what we are working towards their entire lives. I just wonder why it’s so hard to watch happen if this has always been the end goal? I am content with our new chapter. Still lots to learn and I am sure sadness will sneak in here and there, but I’m ready for it.
I guess I wasn’t at a loss for words after all! I’m sure that no one is surprised!
I gave a lot of thought to choosing my word this year. I knew that the next 12 months would be bringing some major changes to our family dynamics, including two of our daughters getting married almost exactly 4 months apart. As someone with a type A personality, it is very easy for me to get caught up in planning, preparing, changing details, and nailing down specifics. It’s all too common for me to be in a situation or with a friend or loved one and have my mind creating a list of the next errands that need to be done, items that need to be returned, or ingredients that need to be purchased. I don’t want to miss the excitement and joy that we are in the thick of because I am focusing on the things that still need to be done – let’s face it, no matter how far ahead you plan, there will ALWAYS still be things that need to be done. I don’t want to be distracted with what is yet to be, I want to be completely present with the task at hand. I won’t be getting this time back, and if my mind is elsewhere, even the memories of these events will be a bit skewed. God, please help me to focus on TODAY, and celebrate both the magic and the mundane of the next 24 hours!
I also struggle with perhaps filling my days a bit too much. How much can I get done today? How many items can be checked off of my list? I am a big fan of lists and making sure I have a plan for each day or event. As a Mom of four young children, I realized that my productive days wouldn’t look quite the same, as my schedule was no longer my own. I started writing a “Have done list” instead of a “To do list”. This helped me to feel proud of all that I had accomplished each day while still feeding, bathing, napping, diapering and loving on my littles. The pressure was off as I added items to the list AFTER they were completed (*paid a bill *did a load of towels *did my bible study) instead of a looming list of chores and errands calling my name. I was still getting things done, but at my own pace and one that allowed my family to be my priority. There are certainly days that I need to ask myself what would benefit me more, being productive or getting some rest. I need to become more aware of how these busy days and schedules affect my mental state. As much as I love to get things done – I’m also a huge advocate for a nap on the couch with the dog. Balance – it’s all about balance – and what works for me today.
Every day is different, even if we think we know how things are going to play out. Some days seem to last forever, and some are over before you know it. Some days bring a tsunami of emotions and some days are absolutely uneventful and a big 24 hours of B-O-R-I-N-G. I am going to try to take each day as it comes and accept the highs and lows that arrive along with each new sunrise. I will do my best to thank God for every day as I pray each night. One of my favorite quotes is ” Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”. I’m not going to sugar coat what life throws my way – if it’s a craptastic day, ok then. Tomorrow is a new day. Being able to enjoy each day also requires me to let go of the malarkey that has recently happened – to keep moving forward. God has reminded us in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Today. We should be focusing on today – and that is my goal in 2025. Praying for your strength as you chase whatever you are running after this year . May we all find a wonderful mix of adventure and peace wrapped up with a sparkly bow of gratitude. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
“Change is the only constant in life” – Heraclitus
I’ll be the first to admit that change has never been my favorite. I love consistency, the familiar. I love to know what is coming so that I can be prepared. I love to know that I’ve handled something successfully before and can (hopefully) do it yet again. But in my almost 29 years of being a wife and over 26 years of parenting, I have found that change is one of the most common parts of life. If our family manages to do something twice in a row without any differences in the experience – call the presses! I have learned to be flexible in my approach and it has definitely benefited all of us. That being said, our family has a lot of changes coming in the next year. Am I ready? Can one ever really be “ready”?!
We have two daughters that will be getting married in 2025 -one in June and one in October. We are having fun planning two very different events and it’s been exciting to say the least. But as we schedule the Bridal Shower and pick out centerpieces for the big day, reality settles in. These two daughters will not be coming “home” for Christmas next year. Yes, they will visit for hours at a time, but they won’t be living at home anymore. This Christmas, for several reasons, was the “last” as we know it, since next year only one of our four children will actually wake up at our house next year on Christmas morning. Santa will only have one stocking to fill, as new spouses will now have that responsibility. We will have to find a new time to open presents together, since the time we have always done this in the past no longer works. We will have to consult the schedules of two more families in addition to the 9 schedules we are currently working around to fit everything in. We will no longer have the entire family at every event. Things are changing and we will need to be open to it. “But, we’ve always done it that way!” must not be uttered. The first few holidays will be a learning experience for sure.
Although it does make me a bit anxious, I am also excited to see the new traditions we will undoubtedly create. They will not be REQUIRED to happen on December 24th or 25th. They can change time and location from year to year. We can have a full meal, or just drinks and desserts. We can exchange with everyone or draw names. We can wear our fanciest holiday clothes or our pajamas. The main idea is that these changes are discussed and agreed upon by the majority. Everyone has an opinion and expectations and it’s necessary to feel heard and understood. No, not everyone will get their way. No, not everyone will be happy with the date chosen or restaurant we are meeting at, or time the event will begin. But we all must understand that the holidays are for being TOGETHER and that means flexibility and possibly having pasta instead of tacos and buying a White Elephant gift instead of exchanging gift cards. Hugging your Mom and drinking a Cranberry Margarita while reminiscing about the time the cats knocked the tree down – now THAT’S CHRISTMAS. I pray that as each holiday arrives we are together, healthy and happy – that’s my wish for my family and yours – even with all of the changes!
Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas festivities begin before the turkey is digested (if it hasn’t started before that!). A friend asked me last year for a list of activities that might be fun for her family. I thought I’d share my list with all of you. Remember, it’s not fun if it’s forced, so only choose to do what looks awesome to you and your family. It truly is the MOST wonderful time of the year 🙂
Look at holiday lights together – Walk through your neighborhood or jump in your car and tour around town … have some hot chocolate too (never hurts).
Attend a tree lighting – They are everywhere (library, shopping centers, town halls) the first week of December – usually free and some have carolers and other festive fun included.
Go see a Nutcracker performance – There’s nothing like this play to get you in the spirit- and many local dance schools put this particular show on during December.
Attend a Holiday Concert – Ask your local elementary, Jr. High or High School about the date of their shows – nothing better (and free!).
Kristkringl Markets – A German tradition that is becoming popular here (finally!). Outdoor markets that offer food, crafts and other merchandise for sale and often have lights and firepits and all kinds of fa, la, la related activities.
Frankenmuth – Take a short road trip up north and visit the cutest German inspired town – and don’t forget to go to Bronner’s – the biggest Christmas shop around, Zender’s, the yummiest restaurant in town, and all the cutesy shops in town.
Cookie decorating – Go old school and bake up a bunch of sugar cookies and prepare to be cleaning up sprinkles and frosting for an hour after the event (but it’s ALWAYS worth it!).
Visit the Christmas Story House in Cleveland – Time for another road trip – and you will LOVE the opportunity to tour the house and museum of the infamous movie. Pictures we took while there – Steve under the sink where Randy used to hide, and me on the phone calling about the bad word that Ralphie just said
Ornament making – choose a simple design from the TRILLION available on Pinterest and order supplies from Amazon and either have friends over or beg your family to stick around and join you for some hot gluing fun (add food and drinks for good measure!).
Visit a tree farm – Even if you have a fake tree at home, tree farms are awesome to visit. They often have fun weekends planned that include sleigh rides and pictures with Santa, too!
Movie marathon – Block off an entire day in December, ask each family member their favorite holiday movie and get ready to partake in some couch potato heaven as you watch EVERY SINGLE. MOVIE. Pjs are required and friends can be invited as well, (and provide food – lots and lots of food!).
Baking Day – Choose a few desserts (fudge, cookies, candies) and spend the day in the kitchen together creating trays or boxes or baggies of sweets for loved ones on your list!
Tree decorating party – What might seem like a chore when you have so many other things begging for your attention can be turned into fun if you have a bunch of friends/family included and have everyone bring a snack to share. It’s awesome to reminisce over the ornaments and share their meanings while getting this task done – you’ll have a blast!
Ice skating – Many towns are now offering seasonal outdoor ice skating. They have lights hung up and pump in music, and you forget how much pain you’ll be in tomorrow as you inch your way around the rink laughing and swearing you’ll never do this again … unless you actually are good at it – then do some tricks for everyone and enjoy the applause!
Create a hot chocolate bar – throw together a basket of some hot chocolate packets and make sure to have some marshmallows, peppermint sticks, sprinkles and spray whip in the fridge – we aren’t amateurs, here….
Tour the Manor House – Enjoy the decorations that change every year in this beautiful historical home- and it’s free!
Go to the Lights at the Zoo – Grab your Zoo Membership or take out a small loan before heading to our amazing zoo for their lights display. They have an awesome tree lighting ceremony in November and the weather is typically pretty mild – a great way to begin your holiday season!
Live Nativity Scenes – Many churches offer these and it’s a neat reminder about what this season is all about
Gingerbread house decorating – Grab a pre-made one for goodness sakes, and have fun decorating it – make it more fun for teens and their friends by making it a contest with prizes for the craziest, most colorful, etc… house.
Attend craft shows – Support some local crafters and hit those craft shows that start popping up in November – shop local and cross people off of your gift list – win/win!
MIS drive through light experience – Stay in your car and drive through this awesome display of lights – a fun alternative to driving around your own neighborhood!
Bedford Blizzardfest – Enjoy some festive fun sponsored by our local businesses – I hope they can continue this awesome event!
Holiday parades – Most towns offer a holiday parade that is fun and free and a great way to get outside and enjoy the start of the season.
Host a Wrap & Write – I started a tradition years ago that my friends would all come over and bring their gifts and a dish to pass, and we would wrap gifts together all night (lots of laughter and drinks included). We all got to catch up and see what we bought for our kids, husbands, etc…. It’s beyond fun and everyone leaves feeling so accomplished and happy! Some friends would bring their Christmas cards to address or a holiday craft they were working on – it was the best; I haven’t done it in years – may have to start it back up!
Make holiday shrinky dinks – Yes – they are still a thing! Check out Amazon (of course!) and enjoy a night of old school fun creating and baking those amazing plastic do dads!
Visit Castle Noel – Another road trip, this one to Medina, Ohio. I haven’t been yet- but it’s on my list – find them on Facebook – listed as “America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction” (Reservations required). Yes, please!
Name that tune – Christmas Version – Free and fun and something you can do with little to no preparation. Grab your phone and everyone chooses a list of 10 holiday songs, create a playlist and see how fast you can recognize them. ***Bonus points… who sings it?!***
Polar express – Local train stations are now “hosting” the Polar Express train as it stops in towns across the country. I have not done this yet either, but I think it would be fun with children to see it arrive all lit up – and of course there are options to ride it as well
Tobaggon Run at Pokagon State Park – Head to Indiana and enjoy their toboggan run. We haven’t gone yet but it sounds like a super fun outdoor winter activity!
Caroling – Feeling brave? Grab a group of people, print out a few Christmas songs, and head out to bring some (off-key?) holiday cheer to your neighbor’s doorstep!
As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a wife and a Mom. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a space that was welcoming to others. As a newlywed, I had so much fun setting up our home and establishing traditions with my new husband. Within a few years, our home began to fill with children – four children in almost exactly seven years. I had daily opportunities as a stay at home Mom to set the tone and schedule while creating an environment that helped to make my children feel loved and secure, and that my husband wanted to return to after work. Now, despite my best efforts, this didn’t always work out, and by evening I was counting down the minutes until bedtime and the chance to try again in the morning. Lost retainers, broken washing machines and sickness can easily throw a wrench into any thought of a calm and peaceful household. And that’s life, some of our best memories are from times in the past when things were a bit out of control. Home was still a place that we all felt comfortable and knew we could be ourselves.
We never really had a chore system in which each child had designated chores. I basically just voiced what needed attention and someone took care of it. Sometimes after me mentioning it 37 times, sometimes immediately. We were a typical family that found a rhythm of order among the clutter and chaos of life and knew what had to be done each day, even if we didn’t want to do it. The children grew and realized that our house was not cleaned by fairies in the middle of the night as they slept. They began to take ownership and responsibility for their environment and knew they wouldn’t be allowed to ask a friend over if their space looked like “a pit” as I used to say. They looked forward to inviting friend to sleep over and to having cook outs with family.
Time passed and these crazy kids each eventually headed away to college. Some stayed close and some went a bit farther, but regardless of their new location, they were no longer “home”. Their rooms were empty, no one sat at their chairs during dinner, and their absence was felt by all of us, including the pets. When our oldest left for college, I had the idea of creating a keepsake for him that would remind him of home and the fact that he could always return – and we’d be there with open arms. I found a company that made bracelets with any coordinates engraved in them. I added the coordinates of our home address as a reminder that he had a home full of people that loved him. Each child that left got a similar bracelet, and our youngest birdie just left the nest last week and received her bracelet on move in day.
Our home is much quieter these days. But I know we will continue filling it with love and laughter for many years to come. It’s difficult to keep a house running and presentable with a family of six (or a family of any size, for that matter). There were many days when I wanted to throw in the proverbial towel. But I am so glad that I focused on our family and the times that we shared together under one roof – the good times and the bad, because we needed both to create the bonds that now exist. I pray that our children will also make their home life a priority and cherish the time they spend in their future homes as well.
It’s late July, and I can literally feel summer slipping through my fingers. With every back to school ad, my grip loosens a bit more and acceptance wins out. As much as I love summer, and my morning coffee on the patio and weekends at the lake with family, cold drinks, and loud music, autumn also brings many of my favorite things. The mixed emotions of the changing season are as common as the cooling temperatures. Jumping back-and-forth between the anxious thoughts of beginning again and the calming peace of familiarity – August is coming, whether we are ready or not.
I heard that July is the Sunday of summer for teachers. And boy can I relate. As an educator, September has always felt more like the new year than January. And now it’s August, as a teacher in Ohio that is back in the building the first week of the month as we begin preparing for our students. This year, on top of the classroom work and planning, we are also packing our youngest as she anticipates leaving the nest and heading to college. So many lists, online orders, and packages stacked in a pile as they arrive. My mind refuses to rest, even when my schedule allows me the downtime. So much to arrange, organize and purchase. Having taught more than seven years and also prepared her three older siblings for college, my brain should know by now that it will all get done – and if it doesn’t, it’s OK. It should know that if something is on back order, it will eventually arrive. And if a bookshelf doesn’t work in one area of the room, it can always be moved. But the limited time and the excess of heat and emotions don’t allow this logic. Feeling overwhelmed, is entirely too common as we attempt to ease into these new experiences and living arrangements.
Having taught before and having sent children to college and the past does not negate the possible negative emotions that sneak in as we become weary and oversensitive during these stressful times. By all means, you’re allowed to be emotional. You’re feeling all of these emotions because you are invested – these events are important to you. You want to be successful, you want to be prepared. You want your daughter to feel like she can handle all that will be brand new to her. I am saying a prayer now for all of us in the same boat. Maybe you have a different job but understand the pressure and timeless restraints of which I am writing. Maybe you are saying goodbye to a child that is saying hello to a new adventure. I pray for peace for our hearts and rest for our bodies and minds. We can do this. It may not be pretty at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep moving forward, each day will bring more comfort and confidence.
We are closing another chapter in our family book in a few months. We recently celebrated the graduation of our youngest child. Over 20 years in the same school district (whew!). A party was in order, and we hosted well over 100 people on a 92 degree day. We had picture boards, a slushie machine, food to feed an army and lots and lots of cold water available. For all 4 children, I created a memory clothesline. Through the years, I set aside shirts or outfits that were favorites of the child, or something that was just iconic. After collecting the clothes, I would look through my scrapbook albums and pull a picture with them wearing the outfit. For child #4 I actually found all of the pictures this past winter on one of my snow days. I knew how busy it got before each party – so I knew getting it out of the way would be quite helpful. Preparing for a graduation party forces you to travel the road of Kindergarten through Senior year as pictures and mementos are prepared to be displayed. I also hang up every portrait from year one to eighteen and scrapbook pages from the first day of school young fives until Senior year. Now that’s a lot of memories to process – and with child #4 it about broke me.
As the children have grown, I have often struggled with looking back and wishing things were different. Maybe I wish I had handled a situation better, changed my reaction to a problem or just simply wanting the chance to be with my children at a younger age again. Who doesn’t miss the scent of a newborn, the sound of a squeaky toddler’s voice or the feel of a squishy child’s hug? I look at pictures of my four when they were all in elementary school or younger and remember the days when we only did what I planned and it was so very different than the hectic high school days of friends, sports, volunteering and jobs. I have to remind myself that each chapter definitely had its’ ups and downs and that it’s easy to romanticize an age once we are through it. I absolutely love looking through my scrapbooks and remembering all of the years of memories that our family has created. I suggest taking as many pictures as possible. You will never regret being able to revisit an event from the past – pictures transport you immediately back to the event – what a treasure.
Moving forward, as we now begin to cross off needed items for our daughter’s dorm room, we are eagerly anticipating memories yet to be made. What does the next five years have in store for our family? Our house will be quieter as the nest has emptied. Our time together will no longer be daily , but more scheduled. Our relationships will need to be more intentional. I know it may be a difficult year, as change is often uncomfortable, but I also know that we will find many positives in this new chapter we are beginning. Cheers to the future, and all of the joy it will bring!
Our youngest of four is in the final stretch of her Senior year in high school. She has a matter of weeks before this chapter of her life is over and is feeling all of the emotions. Her days are filled with school, friends, and tennis, and her evenings are occupied with finishing scholarship applications. She’s answering questions regarding how she has spent these last four years, what accomplishments she has achieved, and what her goals are for the future. These applications and required essays are forcing her to reflect . Honestly, I think it should be a requirement for all of us – every five years or so – just a quick check in with ourselves. This form that she must fill out makes her pause and really look at what fills her time. How much of her energy is spent helping others? What is she doing to move herself closer to her goals, and does she even have clear cut goals?
Once we finish school, we tend to fall into a routine and not change much. OK, occasionally we will try a new restaurant or change laundry detergents, but for the most part we do what we have always done. I don’t think we do it on purpose. I feel like most humans find a rhythm of life and don’t look to change things up. We have a schedule, and it works for us, so why fix what’s not broken? But are we living the life we could be living? Are there things we could add or eliminate that would serve us well, move us forward, or help us grow? Have we accomplished the things that we had considered in our days of youth when we didn’t need 8 hours of sleep and 2 cups of coffee to start our engines? It’s not too late! We can still evaluate our lives and make the changes that we have been contemplating. We can start a new hobby, change our exercise routine, commit to reading more books or meeting up with more friends. We can find an organization that needs volunteers, donate to help a community in need, or write letters to our government officials regarding changes we’d like to see made.
I am energized as I watch my daughter prepare for this new chapter ahead. When her new adventure begins – a new chapter will also begin for us. I am prepared for change and the loud sound of silence in a house that has always been filled with music, conversation and laughter. The schedule we keep will change, the way we cook will change, and I anticipate that next year may be a difficult year as we adapt . But I am ready and willing to make the best of these changes and allow room for the grief process as well as I miss all the birdies who have left our nest. I’m writing my own lists and thinking about what I’d like to do, to change, and to eliminate as this new season of life arrives. So now, as I start to reflect, here’s my question for you… What do YOU want to do when you grow up?
The month of November has always been a favorite of mine. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday and as an adult, the month became even more amazing as we welcomed two of our four babies home, one on the 6th and one on the 16th! My love language is words of affirmation, so gratitude has always been on the top of my list of importance. My Mom set the precedent by making sure we wrote thank you notes for any and all gifts we received as children. I have done the same with my own children and have been so saddened to see that writing thank you notes (for many – not all) is becoming a lost art. Showing gratitude is so very important to me, as I understand with my whole heart the value in being thanked for an item, your time, or your involvement in a situation. I have yet to meet a person that would not appreciate being acknowledged, seen and known for what they have done. Not to say that being thanked should be the reason for doing a good deed, but it surely can bring a smile. November is a monthly reminder for me to send a quick text, or card to mention my thankfulness.
Traditions are big in our house. They help to keep our family close, create memories, and build excitement for each holiday. Knowing what to expect brings security and if it’s a fun thing we are expecting, well, you know, even better! Each Thanksgiving, our extended family meets at my sister’s for breakfast. We all arrive around 9:30 AM, pour some coffee and begin our holiday together. When the kids were little, the tv would be on and we’d watch the parade and scream with delight when they saw the Clifford balloon, or Hello Kitty made an appearance . My Mom started the tradition when they were babies of getting each of them a book on Thanksgiving. As they grew, they were even able to request a certain title and were always thrilled to receive it that morning – several years those chapter books were started before we even left Aunt Tonya’s house! The picture books they received as tiny turkeys were all kept together and brought out every year and read during the months of November . Most of the books were written about the topics of the season of Fall, the idea of thankfulness or the holiday of Thanksgiving. I now read many of those books to my preschool class each November and they are still big hits! I look forward to continuing this tradition once my children have children of their own.
After breakfast, we typically head home to digest and take a nap or watch our first holiday movie of the season. Later in the day, we would head to my In laws for more food and family time. At this point, we are now gathering at my Sister in Laws and it’s different but just as wonderful. That’s an important thing to remember about traditions, quite often they don’t last forever. Sometimes it’s simply impossible to continue them (a restaurant closes or part of the family moves 3 states away). Often, the interests of the group change as they age and it is just not fun or eagerly anticipated any longer. Perhaps an event is too expensive to attend at this point. There are many reasons why plans could change after being set for years and years. And that’s OK. One of the worst parts of having a tradition is not realizing that it’s time for it to end. The coolest part – you can find something new to do together instead!
The day after Thanksgiving is also a special time for our family. This basically marks the start of the Christmas season for us. When the children were younger, they would go to my Mom’s house that Friday and help her decorate, bringing up the boxes from the basement, setting up her nativity scene and making a batch of cookies. My current college age children continue to stop by and make sure that she doesn’t need help on this day. After decorating/shopping/visiting friends all day, we head to our local zoo for their annual amazing lights display. Being November, we never know what the weather will bring. We have walked through the zoo enjoying 60 degree conditions and raced through in the rain. The years that it has snowed during our visits always made us extra happy! We then finish the night with a delicious dinner at Spaghetti Wharehouse.
As the children have aged and now have significant others who also have family traditions, it has become increasingly difficult to keep a few of our traditions going – and again, it’s OK. If we want something to continue, we will find a way by changing the time, day or location. But discussions are already happening that have suggested new ideas for us to consider. In the end, I am blessed to have family that understand the importance of time together and the joy it brings my heart.
Blessings to you and your family as you acknowledge the joy and love in your life today and everyday!
word love 