Family and traditions has always been a a top priority for me and go hand in hand. Traditions my children can appreciate for years to come. Although I am sure every month signifies something for each of us, October is a month that we can all appreciate. October is breast cancer awareness month, domestic violence awareness, national apple month, my son and daughter in law's birthdays, thanksgiving and halloween to name a few. Each have a place in my heart and deserve their own post. This one will be dedicated to thanksgiving and the importance of traditions !
I look back many years ago to that one time that started this thanksgiving tradition for me. Who would have known that sharing a wonderful thanksgiving weekend, I would then start my own traditional dinners for years to come.
Growing up in a greek family, it was not common to celebrate canadian thanksgiving. So for me, this was completely new and exciting, one thing that I knew for sure was that I wanted to celebrate every year and for many years to come. So when the time came and spent the thanksgiving weekend in Ottawa 1982 with friends, I was thrilled.. For the first time, I was going to have turkey with stuffing, This was going to be the perfect time I thought to learn how to make it. I was engaged to be married at the time and thought this could not have taken place at a better time - I had never made turkey, let alone stuff it. So this was going to be interesting !
I spent the day in the kitchen.....bright and early....observing our hostess, asking her questions, noting all the ingredients and the step by step instructions. I was thinking to myself, how on earth am I ever going to pull this turkey dinner off on my own when the time comes. I decided I would worry about that at a later time....after all, how complicated can that be ? Well our hostess made it seem easy. For years following that day....I am happy to report.....I followed my recipe notes word for word.....and I won't lie, my first turkey - I was so nervous.....but with each year, the task seemed less and less complicated. I guess after the first 15 years, I finally stopped looking at the notes ! haha...It has now been more than 30 years.....wow...imagine, I can now feel comfortable with this turkey stuffing business !
So - Thanksgiving means many things to many people......to me, spending time with family and friends that are considered to be like family has probably got to be one of the most important priorities.
As a mom and looking back - I would not change a thing. In our complex and busy lives we can easily lose sight of our priorities...I have always felt that cherishing special times and milestones would create fun and lasting memories for everyone. Ones that we can repeat year after year and look back on. Young families can have so much fun with creating new traditions and should be on the top of the list.
What's important is to make a special effort and even though we are sometimes tired, or not up to it - spending time with those we choose to is special..... Don't let your work committments take over and dictate how to spend your holiday, instead - take time out, make turkey and the biggest question should be.........turkey....with or without stuffing ???
As the years went by....hosting and planning the traditional thanksgiving dinner became a priority for me. It was equally important to take the time and teach my boys the value of gratitude and gratefulness. The importance to be grateful for what we have in life and not take anything for granted.
As the boys were getting older, they were a big part of this holiday preparation. It became one of our traditions they looked forward to. What I realized is that celebrating thanksgiving with children is just awesome and the bond that you create sharing this holiday priceless, It may seem like it is not much, but trust me, you will have so many nice memories. I remember fondly getting them to help with the stuffing, they would scoop out the chestnuts after they were cooked - I would give them a bowl and they would help me out. They just loved to be involved. We would decorate the house with an autumn theme, go out and pick pumpkins, decorate the table & pick fall flowers. Play in the leaves with the dogs and just simply enjoyed every minute. We would take long walks while the turkey was cooking. It is so beautiful this time of year with the different colours. A time to appreciate.
Aside from making this delicious turkey dinner with stuffing, thanksgiving was all about bringing people together to share a lovely meal in each other's company. There is no greater appreciation than being with your loved one's around the dinner table. We have shared so many laughs and til this day this is what you take away, the good times, the stories, the memories........
So, if there was any advice I can share....it would be this.....
Bring your favorite people together all in the same room
cook up a storm and cook some more - and share
get the kids and everyone involved in the food prep
Be grateful that we can all be together...we should never take that for granted
no matter how tired we are.....just go for it......it's a feel good thing
have fun decorating your table and house
be grateful to share special moments
be grateful for all of the good things done by others
be grateful to those that have been there for you
appreciate one another for the best they bring out in you
pay it forward....do a good deed....one that will make you feel great
take lots of pictures....and make sure to take a family turkey dinner picture every time
share your traditions with others
share your recipe
create the tradition, the memories, and the stories
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| 1984 |
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| boys on chestnut duty |
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one of our early on thanksgiving dinners  Thanksgiving 2014 |
