When I was a kid, nestled in a large family of 6 siblings,
parents, grandmother, aunts and uncles and cousins, holidays like Thanksgiving were
a festive, if more than chaotic affair. Headcount was about 24.
Part of the troupe of cousins, we would groan and complain about hauling tables and chairs, setting tables, and then washing and drying the mountains of dishes (and pots) at the end of the giant meal. No dishwasher in those days, and great insistence on using the “good china” and glassware. Whew.
But we really wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Fast forward a generation to the days of my own parenthood. I was the central location for my siblings, the cooker of the turkey (s), with the basement filled with those tables and chairs. And my five kids, and bevy of nieces and nephews got the job of groaning and lugging.
But we had a dishwasher, and when the numbers swelled to
over 30, plus 3 high chairs, I made the executive decision to use heavy duty
paper plates instead of the good china. Necessity.
It was still big, inclusive and chaotic. And there were still a lot of pots!
Fast forward to the next generation. My kids took over the meal prep as they
became adults, and I got to retire from the kitchen and bounce grandbabies. I
can say with a grin that is a change I adjusted to just fine!
But the other adjustments were more difficult. Holidays must be shared as families get more complex. Families travel to visit in laws. Vacations, and sports tournaments make planning to get together a challenge. Several of this generation have medical careers that necessitate work on the holidays. Grandkids do semesters abroad and build relationships and travel to meet their partner’s family. Of course, sometimes those new “potential partners” come and join our family holiday chaos, too. The list of “holiday characters” changed as the years went on.
We’ve lost older family members. My parents are gone, some spouses are gone. I’ve lost two beloved brothers, one amazing sister, and a dear son-in-law.
As time has passed, people have moved to distant places, or downsized houses, so it’s not possible to easily all gather in one place on one day. So today we have “mini holidays”, meeting in smaller groups.
Then we get together in the evening for a big “zoom party” to celebrate
and see each other electronically.
Yes, there are less dishes to do. Yes, it’s a sign of the times. Family traditions change. I do miss those early, frenetic days.
But it’s still Thanksgiving. I am very thankful for my family.
How about you? What are your family traditions for
Thanksgiving these days? I’d love to hear!
Love,
Christine
Amazon.com:
Christmas Daisy eBook : Bush, Christine: Kindle Store
Christine
Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and
suspense. She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in
Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14
grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching
Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice
as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Bush/e/B001KHSLRG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1392688497&sr=1-2-ent
No comments:
Post a Comment