This year I welcome Thanksgiving, the first one in my new home. I get giddy just thinking about that statement. Especially considering what a year 2020 has been!
The guest list is small, but also just right. Thanksgiving with my parents and my boyfriend. Oh, then multiple family Zoom Thanksgiving video chats!!
So tonight I'm doing preparation, cleaning, laundry, organizing, and planning. I'm walking in and out of rooms muttering to myself, "Now WHY did I come in here?" and also " Darn it, I forgot to put the lid down on the washer, an HOUR ago!"
It flashed through my mind, that all this preparation, it is not burdensome, it actually is a joy. To have family to come, to have a home for them to stay. I am a blessed girl.
I then thought back to all the times that my grandparents would have family gatherings. Old homes, full to the brim of family. Those, "get in where you fit in" kind of gatherings. I appreciate the preparation so much more now. The tidy bathrooms, the clean crisp sheets, the full fridge, full stove, and over-full hearts.
I get it more now, the preparation of having what you need, then also what your family/guests need, and trying to anticipate their wants (popcorn and Neapolitan ice cream anyone lol). I get it now, the lists, and more lists, and super last minute shopping trips.
If this holiday you are having Thanksgiving in any home that is not your own maybe you could do something (pick 1 or so).
1. Take time and pull your hosts aside and thank them for the meal, the preparation, the effort, and the love.
2. Don't come empty-handed. Flowers, a card, food, a small trinket. Just a little something. That thoughtful gesture will go a long way. These small mannerisms are fading away, but we can bring them back.
3. No phones out while the meal is being eaten. Enough said lol.
4. Get the photos, have the conversations, let love flow. Be inspired by the recent story of Will Smith and Janet Hubert who recently buried the hatchet after a 20+ year bitter feud. Speak in love, act in love, grace and forgiveness. Don't let Election 2020 wreck your family anymore. Take back your family. Invest in your people.
To all my family, I love you to the moon and back, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
To all my friends, I love you dearly, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
To all those who are struggling, lonely, fearful, unsure, anxious or mourning. You are NOT forgotten. You can let the feelings come, and you can also release them so that you can press on. You are strong, you are worthy, and you mean a lot to me and so many others! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
