Happy Thanksgiving!

​You would think that Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday.  It’s about the meal, a big turkey, lots of side dishes, and sweet desserts.  Well, it’s not.  
 
Many years ago, I made a conscious decision to eat as a family.  My husband, a tradesman, worked hard and was entitled to good food and company at the end of the day.  My children needed to understand that this was time to check in with family.  They needed to learn about an adult’s day, and we needed to listen and learn about their day.  It was a time to ask questions, to laugh, to tease (everyone has had their turn), and to just be together.  We are by no means, a Norman Rockwell painting.  We juggled team sports and afterschool activities like everyone else.   This sometimes meant that we sat down at the table at 4:30 p.m. or we had a snack and then sat down at 7:00 p.m.  Sometimes we would meet up at a restaurant between kids’ activities.  These were my many Thanksgiving meals.  
 
This Thanksgiving will be different for many families.  The gatherings may be smaller and the meal may not be the usual feast. But it may be the start of new traditions, new dishes, and more intimate conversations. 
 
My children are growing up and moving on with their lives.  I will be thankful tomorrow, but more importantly, every day going forward that I have one or all three of them around my table.  
 
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, every day and every meal.