Holiday traditions spell home for me! I grew up with the trip to grandma's house where everyone brought a dish. The smells that filled her house cannot ever be recreated. There are no words to decribe those memories and feelings. Running into Granny's house, giving her a great big hug, taking in her smell! Knowing she'd ALWAYS have the candy cubbard stocked for us. Playing basketball with my cousins and uncles. Seeing relatives, I normally only see a few times a year. Walking around the neighborhood, seeing my Granny's neighbors and their grandkids. The memories! The traditions!
I hope to pass on a love of homemade food that my Granny gave me. It's no secret I like to cook. Everything may not always turn out like I expect or hope but I certainly hope it's a skill my children love as well. Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without a home cooked meal. Turkey. Ham. Mashed potatoes. Mac n cheese. Cheesecake. Chess and pecan pie. All are holiday table traditions in my home! My mouth waters with the anticipation.
Another tradition is to share in the love of family and friends. Since we no longer live close to family, friends have become very important to us. We hope to spend part of the holiday with some of our close friends. Weather permits, it would be nice to have some time outside. Perhaps a bonfire in our fire pit. Appreciating the outdoor fall weather. Phone calls, emails, tweets, chats, text and picture messages will be our new family tradition to help us stay connected to the ones we love.
Lastly, I hope to inspire my kids to carve out their own traditions that fit their needs. Moving 1,200 miles away from my hometown wasn't an easy decision to make. It was the RIGHT choice for us but that means things like holiday traditions will have to change. It's an exciting adventure. I must find my own voice. Create my own traditions. Share in the love of family and friendships the best way possible. Create my own Thanksgiving traditions.
What holiday traditions do you observe in your family? What tradititons do you hope to pass on?
Read other Twittermoms Thanksgiving traditions here and enter for your own chance at a $50 Target Gift Card.
