I love that there is a secular holiday that is all about giving thanks. I love that my family does their darndest to get home, even though it's really a pain. I'm already missing the ones who can't come, and I love that they miss coming home, yet wonderfully give thanks wherever they are, with a great spirit.
I'm looking forward to when we expand our family's traditions into their family's traditions as well.
I love that there are no presents and no cards and nothing but a certain menu, a hymn, and a sense that it is indeed fitting always and everywhere to give thanks!
Is it okay to store apples near onions? I know you shouldn't keep onions and potatoes together. Do you think this is going to work? It has so far. |
Every kind of thanks has its origin in God and His completely free act in creating us. Even when we thank someone for passing the salt, we should know that we can only have that movement of our soul because of Him and His goodness.
Our old friend Joe Sobran, who recently passed away, used to say that he thought that the fact that a person has a spontaneous desire to give thanks ought to be thought of as another proof of the existence of God, right up there with the Unmoved Mover.
Advent is just around the corner! |
One day you wake up and just want to be thankful…to whom? Or some great evil is averted and you dissolve in relief and thanks…to whom?
Oh, some try to act as if it works just fine to be thankful without an object, as if we would be happy with that ourselves. Can you imagine doing something big for someone and having them write a vague thank-you note and then laying it out in a field? Not good enough! You hand that sucker right here so I can read it.
Even the gratitude we have for freedom, for the harvest, for family — it doesn't come from nowhere, from nothing — and it doesn't come only from the earth and this life. And it's going somewhere, to some One.
I think it's a variation on Newman's longing, which can only be satisfied by God Himself. But there's something about being grateful that doesn't even involve the self; or rather, it's the self stepping outside of itself to acknowledge that it cannot do a thing on its own. In a happy, carefree way.
So yes, I take Thanksgiving very seriously. Including the food.
I realized that last year I only showed pictures of my yams in progress, so I took some more pictures of food prep as I have been going along, but you know, it's the same as at your house, I'm thinking!
I also have to have squash (it's already in the freezer), because I love them both, yams and squash, and can never decide between them, so both it is.
Must have plenty of good bread for those yummy turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sandwiches! |
Maybe here in New England we are more focused on the menu than elsewhere. I know I am. I remember once the Chief's brother remarked that there was no point in trying to tweak the flavors (jalepeno turkey — his idea, never mine — or rosemary brussels sprouts or whatever) because in the end, it all tastes like…turkey dinner! Sage, mainly.
I asked Bridget if we were beyond these decorations, made a few years ago, but she said not really. |
And personally, I love that taste. So that's the taste you'll be getting at my house! Also, unless certain boys are very tired and it's raining, the “turkey classic” football game against the monks at noon at the Abbey (where Brother Anthony, a formidable player, can be found breaking all sorts of rules, as if he needs to); the kids betting on how long it takes me to knock my wineglass over; a game of dictionary, telephone pictionary, or charades if I'm lucky; and probably a fun movie if we all don't fall asleep first. God willing that everyone comes home safely.
I moved the garland down when I remembered where the turkeys go. |
What are your Thanksgiving traditions? What would you like your children to remember about Thanksgiving?
If you have a post or pictures, feel free to link in the comments!
Barbara says
Beautiful post, Leila. Thanksgiving is truly one of my children's favorite holidays because there are no high expectations dashed upon the rocks. Just happy people and good food. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that you see all your beautiful people.
Jodi says
Our family tradition has been to invite guests, who would otherwise have no place to go. Our children, while at University, would often bring home foreign students. Sadly this year, none of my kids, save for the one still at home (yay), can make it home for Thanksgiving, but our Thanksgiving tradition still continues. We'll break bread with foreign friends and happily, our children will join us at Christmas.
P.S. Apples and onions are best friends when cooked together! I don't see why they can't be roommates before hand.
Mrs.B says
AWESOME..can we eat with you? 😉 Happy Thanksgiving!
Mamabear says
I enjoyed this while I was on “break,” nursing my youngest, and posted my own progress here:
http://theonewithallthekids.blogspot.com/2010/11/…
I hope to post pictures of our feast as I set the table tomorrow.
God bless your family, near and far!
Emily says
Since our kids are still really young (and take all my time!) our Thanksgiving tends toward VERY simple. We have a traditional meal without quite as many options as yours, and we try to do “thanks” activities with the kids. It is fun to hear what they feel thankful for!
Why can't you store onions and potatoes together?
Christina A says
I was wondering this, too!
Lisa says
Great thanks to YOU, dear Leila!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving.
PS My MIL madness has already begun, but I'm not taking the bait. 😉
_Leila says
Good girl.
_Leila says
Okay, fine, I looked it up.>
This site http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbrie…
says:
<
I just keep onions, potatoes, and apples in my pantry, which is pretty cold in the winter. It's probably not really cold enough for potatoes, but we eat them quickly.
I guess my apples and onions are okay together!
Christina A says
Just saw this after I commented above; doh!
priest's wife says
shockingly- this is the first year that we will make homemade rolls- the rest is just a classic dinner (along with chocolate pudding pie that must be made with jello brand pudding powder)
Happy thanksgiving! and I love those curtains
Birdy says
I'm loving your Thanksgiving garland…how clever to have used ric-rac to string it on!
Kerri says
Leila,
If you don't mind sharing recipes, I would love to know what the rolls are with the bacon(?) in them?
Thankyou!
_Leila says
Hm, no, no bacon, but you interest me strangely…
I made my rich dough for rolls and bread, and then used that lump there to make the cinnamon rolls. Just roll out the dough in a rectangle, spread with butter and brown sugar, and sprinkle with cinnamon and, in this case, chopped dates.
Roll the dough up, slice into slices.
Put butter, honey, and a little water in a pan, put the rolls in the mixture, and bake at 325 for 15 minutes or until golden.
(The water is so that the honey — or sugar, or maple syrup, or whatever sweet you put in there — doesn't become a burnt sugar mass but remains as a syrup.)
When you are ready to serve, invert and put any remaining syrup on top. Great with scrambled eggs and, what else, bacon!
Cathy says
Not to rush things but I see a beautiful Advent calendar peeking out from that one picture. Where does one find such gorgeous calendars? The stores are full of the silly Santa Claus ones.
_Leila says
That one is from the bookstore of the National Shrine in NE D.C. It came in a 2010 calendar and so was marked down to $3, which, for such a beautiful Advent calendar, isn't much!
Theresa says
Thanksgiving is very special for our family as well. Even though my sister and I have moved away from home we still gather as a family to give thanks for what we have. We cook as a family (well, my mother, sister and I do) and eat a giant feast together. For us it is so special because the focus is only on food, family and joy without any worry about presents or decorating or anything else. My sister won't make it home for Christmas this year, but she is flying in for Thanksgiving so that we can all be together. Togetherness is our biggest tradition…
convertingheart says
Beautiful post, Leila! So very true.
Our traditions are similar, revolving around special foods, celebrating being together. We can't celebrate on THE day, because, or course, it's not a holiday here, and my husband is at work. So, we make a weekend of it. We had ours last weekend, and it was a very filled-with-thanks weekend indeed, with special goings-on at church ;o).
I would really love to see some photos of that football game! I'm imagining monks in habits playing football, but maybe not?
(I love your sweet doggy photo, and your gorgeous icons!)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sue says
Beautiful post, Leila! So true.
We always have our Thanksgiving either the weekend before or after, since it's not a holiday here. In the past we got together with other Americans to celebrate, but with the kids all getting bigger it gets more difficult – due to crazy schedules, and small living spaces (and ovens!). We have always been able to get the turkey and all the fixings, and now they are even getting cheaper, thanks to Costco Japan!
We had a family Thanksgiving last weekend. It was a thanks-filled weekend indeed, with special things going on at church as well ;o).
I love your doggy photo, and your beautiful icons. I also really want to see some photos of that football game. I'm imagining monks running around in habits – or, maybe not?
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
RCG says
How do you play “dictionary”?
I make rolls (based on my Grandmother's and Amy Grant's Grandmother's Parker House Rolls) gluten free. I make pie crusts, bread, all that since I am gluten free/celiac. I splurged and bought pre-made pie-crusts from Whole Foods, 2 for 6 bucks. Ouch. But we already ate the first two pumpkin pies prematurely and I now need to make 2 more and am so glad for the frozen crusts right now!
A little sad this year as I now have 2 prodigal sons. Please pray for them if you think of it. Stretching myself to be thankful in ALL things. Crafty daughters are making a Thanksgiving Tree like the one on this blog only they painted white pieces of paper fall colors and cut out leaves: http://karasinchina.blogspot.com/
I love your garland as I am a huge fan of rickrack. Did you stamp the letters? Stickers? Print?
Finally, what spices and what amount do you put in your pumpkin pies?
Blessings to you and your wonderful family!
RubberChickenGirl
Serena in WI says
A great holiday indeed! Our extended family all gathers together with everyone bringing their contribution (chosen from the list of Thanksgiving standards). The day is spent eating, playing card games, napping, and just spending time together. Nothing sets you in a thankful mood better than being surrounded by the ones you love, a delicious meal cooked with love, and a huge selection of pies on the sideboard!
Blessing to your family, and thanks for the wonderful posts!
margo says
I loved your post and I love seeing your lovely home. I'm dashing off to a movie with my hubby,but I just had to say that bananas and apples should not be stored together. And I keep my taties in a sack on top of my onions in a basket. heh. hasn't seemed to matter much.
I might be back with a more thoughtful response because I do love Thanksgiving and gratitude is serious business.
Bethany says
That last photo is my favorite! Beautiful! A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Cary says
Happy Thanksgiving! We have a little “Blessings cup” that we have slips of paper and a pencil nearby. We keep this out for the month of November and write what we are thankful for. On Thanksgiving, we read them. Last year, one son, who gave us quite a bit of trouble for much of his growing up (now a college freshman) wrote that he was thankful for us being who we were, not *Smiths or Jones* (he used the real last names of his friends). It was such a turning point in our relationship and he ended up having a great senior year (homeschooling, of course). I think that made Thanksgiving more special than it is. I miss him and his older brother tonight since they are at an out of state college. Much to be thankful for. Prayers for all of your family and your readers. God bless.
Charming's Mama says
This post is exactly why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Blessings to you and yours this fine day and always.
Kathleen Jaeger says
Happy Thanksgiving.Though the pictures will have to come later, I did write a post about those things for which I am thankful at http://kathink.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful.html .I must admit though, that I needed to look up why I needed to not store onions & potatoes together. I didn't know! I am thankful to learn something new every day.
Trish says
Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving Day. Lovely peaceful photos. Thanks.
Jan says
Hello. Just found your blog – beautiful pictures of your lovely well kept home. I really liked the one of your dog watching at the window. I'm looking forward to reading through some of your past posts – it looks very inspiring.
We don't have Thanksgiving here in Scotland, UK but it's interesting to read about your celebrations.
Jan
Lisa says
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's just a day to get together with family and friends and to be grateful for all your blessings. I agree that it's so nice not to worry about having to buy presents and send cards. One of our traditions is to make our own butter for the rolls on our table. We just get two pints of heavy cream and pour them into two quart canning jars. We label one for boys and one for girls and we take turns passing the jars around and shaking it as hard as we can until we see which team can get butter first. This year the guys won. It's a lot of fun and gives everyone something do while the food is cooking.
_Leila says
Oh my goodness that sounds like so much fun. I think if the Patriots weren't playing this could actually fly!