A Month of Thankfulness – Thanksgiving Memories Then and Now

A Month of Thankfulness – Thanksgiving Memories Then and Now

Thanksgiving Then

I sat cross-crossed on the floor in front of our wooden console television in eager anticipation of what was to come. I had been waiting all month for this one day.

Growing up, Thanksgiving was a day where we were gathered together as a family to gorge ourselves on turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese,  pecan and pumpkin pie. After the eating frenzy and napping was over,  it was time to play the card game, “Push.” Laughter abounded and before we knew it, it was late, and it was time to head home in our big, brown conversion van.

The meal was my second favorite anticipation of Thanksgiving.

My ultimate anticipation took place on that massive, old television.

Watching the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”  is my top memory of Thanksgiving in my youth.

The floats, the bands, the musical acts played second fiddle to the final act that would end the parade. It was the big man himself, Santa Claus.

In my childhood mind, seeing Santa at the end of the parade was the beginning of the holiday season. A time for family get-togethers, laughter and fun.

Thanksgiving Now

As a family, we still watch the Thanksgiving parade, but the anticipation of seeing Santa is now replaced with the expectation of the Savior to come. Thanksgiving is still filled with food, family and “Push,” but the family is much smaller. I miss our big family Thanksgiving, I miss the laughter and I miss my mom, my Aunt Marie, my Grandma Betty, and my Great-Grandma Rosie.

While Thanksgiving is associated with food and family, I encourage you to take time to reflect back to see how the Lord has blessed you this past year! You will be in awe of the work He has done in your life!

For those of you who have had a year of sorrow and pain, or have family that can not be with you, please know that I am praying for you! Life can be hard this time of year, but please know that you are loved by our Savior!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, my blog readers! I am so grateful for you, your kind words, and your support!