Thanksgiving traditions date all the way back to, well, the first Thanksgiving.
But while times change and people change too, there are some things that remain unmovable.
But while times change and people change too, there are some things that remain unmovable.
Thanksgiving traditions link past and present, they bring people together at the table and in memory. We celebrate Thanksgiving for the same reasons each year; to give thanks for food, family, friends and freedom. And that's how it's been done for centuries.
Youngsters come home from college to reunite with their families; grandparents, cousins and close friends come together to celebrate, relax and indulge. It's a time to gather around the table with those whom you're thankful for, a time to enjoy your mother's delicious home-cooking, and continue those personal and American traditions that make Thanksgiving so special.
Mothers proudly sprinkle their children's hand-made decorations across the table; festive place-settings mix Grandma's fine china and fancy silverware; tasty foods abundantly fill dish after dish; and terrific smells fill the kitchen, making guests eager to eat and chat the night away.
In the living room, grandparents tell stories of Thanksgivings past, and grandkids list what they're most thankful for this year. Then, as the last platter fills the last empty place on the table, guests are signaled to the dining room, where they revel in viewing the feast laid before them, like some epicurean dream, before sitting down at last to begin the holiday meal.
After giving thanks, the turkey is carved; platters of stuffing, potatoes, soufflés, and all things delicious, are passed around the table for everyone to savor their first bite.
Wine glasses are filled and refilled; plates are piled high and, contents devoured, seconds are served.
Laughter fills the air as family and friends tell jokes and share stories. Little ones learn how Dad got that funny nickname, Mom finds out how the mysterious dent in her car really got there, and one older brother admits to being homesick when away at school.
Finally, as the last slice of cake disappears, plates emptied and belts loosened, all eyes turn to the head of the table and the atmosphere turns a bit serious as Grandpa begins his speech.
He tells a story of changes, what it was like when he grew up and how differently things are now. He moves from how his family came to America, to how he grew up during the Great Depression, a time when the Thanksgiving table was lighter. He describes years of war, his experiences as a soldier; what he saw and what he learned he was most thankful for: his family and his country.
Moving to the story of how he met Grandma, how he loved her at first sight and still feels lucky to have her every single day. How he raised his children, and sees them do the same now.
He says he's most thankful for the stories he has to tell and the people he has to tell them to. As Grandpa's audience grows silent, then speechless, the few moments of reflection pass; full bellies and thankful thoughts in each seat, everyone raises their glass for an important tradition, a toast.
"To life," Grandpa says. Everyone reaches across the table and, glasses clinking and clanking, gives thanks for what they have.
Youngsters come home from college to reunite with their families; grandparents, cousins and close friends come together to celebrate, relax and indulge. It's a time to gather around the table with those whom you're thankful for, a time to enjoy your mother's delicious home-cooking, and continue those personal and American traditions that make Thanksgiving so special.
Mothers proudly sprinkle their children's hand-made decorations across the table; festive place-settings mix Grandma's fine china and fancy silverware; tasty foods abundantly fill dish after dish; and terrific smells fill the kitchen, making guests eager to eat and chat the night away.
In the living room, grandparents tell stories of Thanksgivings past, and grandkids list what they're most thankful for this year. Then, as the last platter fills the last empty place on the table, guests are signaled to the dining room, where they revel in viewing the feast laid before them, like some epicurean dream, before sitting down at last to begin the holiday meal.
After giving thanks, the turkey is carved; platters of stuffing, potatoes, soufflés, and all things delicious, are passed around the table for everyone to savor their first bite.
Wine glasses are filled and refilled; plates are piled high and, contents devoured, seconds are served.
Laughter fills the air as family and friends tell jokes and share stories. Little ones learn how Dad got that funny nickname, Mom finds out how the mysterious dent in her car really got there, and one older brother admits to being homesick when away at school.
Finally, as the last slice of cake disappears, plates emptied and belts loosened, all eyes turn to the head of the table and the atmosphere turns a bit serious as Grandpa begins his speech.
He tells a story of changes, what it was like when he grew up and how differently things are now. He moves from how his family came to America, to how he grew up during the Great Depression, a time when the Thanksgiving table was lighter. He describes years of war, his experiences as a soldier; what he saw and what he learned he was most thankful for: his family and his country.
Moving to the story of how he met Grandma, how he loved her at first sight and still feels lucky to have her every single day. How he raised his children, and sees them do the same now.
He says he's most thankful for the stories he has to tell and the people he has to tell them to. As Grandpa's audience grows silent, then speechless, the few moments of reflection pass; full bellies and thankful thoughts in each seat, everyone raises their glass for an important tradition, a toast.
"To life," Grandpa says. Everyone reaches across the table and, glasses clinking and clanking, gives thanks for what they have.
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