“Thanksgiving 2017”
By
Gerry Niskern
When our kids and grandkids look back on Thanksgiving 2017, let’s hope they remember everything good about the day. Sure, they might recall overhearing the grown-ups talking about where our country is heading. We’re all asking “what will our children’s world be like in the future?” But if we do our job right, those memories will be crowded out by the smell of the bird roasting in the oven, the taste of sweet potatoes and who is favored to win the board game this year, the guys or girls?
Our Thanksgiving celebration in the United States is similar to many held around the world by other nations and ethnic groups. There have always been harvest festivals to celebrate and give thanks for the year’s crops.
Thanksgiving Day here in Arizona is a day of traditions. Grandmothers and grandfathers might serve the family a fine old-fashioned dinner, complete with dressing, gravy and homemade hot rolls that melt in your mouth. Or the newlyweds might start a new tradition of inviting the clan to their home for barbecued turkey on the grill and a dip in their heated pool.
No matter where your family gathers, may I suggest adding a tradition. Invite at least one new family to join you. Try to make it a family who could use a warm invitation of friendship this year. Maybe they just moved here from another state; or another country and our Thanksgiving tradition is new to them.. Help them fit in by asking them to come over early and help you set up the tables or whip the potatoes.
This year, when you slip that bird into the oven think about what a great day you are going to have with your family, and maybe some new friends. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough matching plates or cutlery. Dressing tastes just as good on a paper plate and think of the washing up that you save!
Let’s make sure that what the kids remember about this Thanksgiving is the sound of the family’s laughter when they argue over who actually won the game. And come to think about it, how about checking all the cell phones at the door and really enjoying the conversation of the family members gathered around the table.
If we really listen to everyone, young and old, we might learn something new that wasn’t actually on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or UTube! Just put a basket by the front door marked “Please drop cell phones here”.
My Mother would reserve a ramada at South Mountain Park and we would have dinner there with family and assorted friends. During the war she invited British pilots from Falcon Field. Happy turkey day.
My dad would go down to the USO and bring home 2 or 3 servicemen. My sister and I always looked for ward to that, but somehow he always brought “really old” guys?
Love being with the young and old in our family. I am the oldest. Sharing funny stories, laughing about certain memories. We are not hosting thanksgiving this year. We are having a painting party to complete a project here. Later my grandson will bring us dinner. Everyone won’t be here as they are hosting other people since they are not in town. Or with their spouses family as it should be. We will be together at Christmas. . I am thankful for all my children and know each of us are where we should be, but our hearts are with one another.