Thanksgiving Eve

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I know - I know. Most people like Christmas best. I just can't handle all the pressure. I mean - people give you a "list" of things they would like to have - and then sit back and wait to see how much you love them based on how much you spent on them. No thank you. I'd rather not exchange gifts at all. We tried that in our family last year - but no one followed the rules - people gave to each other anyway - but not everyone, so the ones that didn't felt bad and the ones that did felt bad because the ones that didn't felt bad. It's a vicious circle.

But Thanksgiving...? Awesome. Turkey and all the trimmings. I love the tradition of it. I love the pressing of the table linens. I love getting Grandma's good china out, the crystal, the cut glass serving dishes. I love polishing Grandma's silver - getting the center pieces ready and baking pies. I love it all.

As a child - Thanksgiving was the ONE holiday my parents behaved themselves. We always had Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's house  - and they wouldn't DARE show their butts at Grandma's house. There was always a fire in the fireplace, my aunt and uncle and cousins were always there. There was food - lots of food - and the BEST gravy in the world. Grandma had a sideboard that she put the desserts and toppings on....I would sneak in every once in a while and stick my finger in the Cool Whip. Grandpa would see me....but he would wink and never scold. There was never a DROP of alcohol at my Grandparents house. It was the best day of the year. To this day - I love it.

Tomorrow my children, except for my oldest which makes me sad, a friend from work - and my yummy delicious wonderful new grandson will be joining me for my favorite day of the year. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.


Today I am thankful to be celebrating the holiday with my family and friends.