What does this ingredient mean to you?
For me it means hosting dinner to a raucous house of kids and grandkids. The bubbling laughter and chaos that comes with a big family.
But first it means starting the day all snuggled in and wrapped in my husband's arms.
The house feels cozy and festive 'cuz this year I started decorating early. There are Christmas lights everywhere and we even snuck in one of two(or maybe three) trees that will go up this season. My shower curtain even says Merry Christmas, from the cutest little snowmen ever.
Thanksgiving is my husband's favorite holiday. It is one of the only days of the year he will voluntarily get out of bed early.
We get the turkey started and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The amazing smell of turkey floats through the house almost immediately and makes our home that much more inviting.
Of course we have to cook way too many side dishes, all the while thinking we'll never have enough and the pies......mmmmmm, the pies.
Listening to the house fill up as everyone arrives. Hearing them laugh and talk as they come in from out of the cold. Seeing them all together trying to one up each other like they did when they were little.
Watching the babies play way too loudly right in the middle of the adults who just talk louder to be heard over them.
Watching my husband enjoy his family and his football.
Filling up on way too much food knowing I'm gonna' regret it later and enjoying the stories of my adult children while they share the naughty things they did when they were little knowing they can't get in trouble for them now. Those evil little giggles and the glint in their eye makes me laugh.
There is so very much to be thankful for this year and every year. Our health, our home, our family, our friends, the lives we get to lead, the fact that Christmas is on it's way, the list is never-ending.
Of course there's a tinge of sadness that comes along too, for those that should be here but aren't. There are many different reasons why all our loved ones aren't gathered today. Some are in other states, some are in Heaven and some have to work but we share this day with them all in our hearts.
There is an wonderful book my daughter found for my granddaughter called "The Invisible String".
If you have littles or even if you don't, I can't recommend it enough.
Whether you have loved ones in Heaven or just a little one who struggles being away from home, this book is such a great way to bring them some comfort.
My heart is full on this holiday and even though that bit of sadness is there it is not what I focus on. We couldn't be more blessed.
My heart hurts for those of you that have hearts filled with sadness on this or any holiday. I know there are many people who have no one to celebrate with.
Maybe you were like us once, surrounded by love but now all your children have grown up and have families of their own.
Maybe you are not physically able to go out today or maybe you just have nowhere to go.
Maybe the one or ones you loved most have passed away leaving such a huge hole in your heart you just can't bear to celebrate without them.
Maybe you struggle with mental health issues and the holidays just make those struggles overwhelming.
No matter what keeps you alone or sad this holiday season, I am sorry. I see you and I want to help in any way I can.
When I leave my family and come into work I am surrounded by those who have loved fiercely and lost. Some of them were lucky enough to spend the day at a daughter or son's house but a lot of them ate dinner in the dining room just as they would any other day.
So many dressed up to walk down the hall for that meal because even though they are forgotten they have not forgotten.
Sure, I had to leave my family to come to work on the holiday but when my shift is over, I get to go back home to a house filled with love. Many of these folks will only ever see the inside of these four walls.
The ones they cherished, raised and loved have moved on; either physically from this earth or emotionally from them.
If you are lucky enough to be surrounded by friends and family this holiday season and you know someone who is not, take the time to reach out. Bring them a plate of the dinner you made or the goodies you baked. Invite them to join you on one of your special family days. Bring over a game, a puzzle or a book and spend a quiet evening at their home. String some lights or sing some Christmas carols. Do what you can to bring a smile to their face. Moments of joy are so very important.
Many people will go without this time of year. Whether it's without food, without a few needed presents or simply without feeling loved. We can all make a difference one small kindness at a time.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. I hope it was a great one!!!
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