Most families have traditions. Some revolve around holidays, some around birthdays and some are religious. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is not too hot, not too cool and the food is delicious. As a child, I remember going to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. My aunt "Tip" and my grandmother would start cooking the night before. I would always spend the night before Thanksgiving at my grandmother's house. As I laid on the couch (which was my bed for the night), I would listen to them talk in the kitchen. I remember one Thanksgiving in particular. My aunt and Granny (as we called her) were in the kitchen preparing the turkey for the oven. Celery and onions were placed inside the turkey and lots of butter was rubbed on the turkey. Giggling erupted from the kitchen. I heard Aunt Tip say, " we are buttering his butt." more giggling as the turkey was finally ready for the oven. The laughter and the enjoyment of the two of them preparing the meal could be heard until the wee hours of the morning. I miss those Thanksgivings.
As the years went by, and I grew up, new traditions emerged. When my four boys were young, we would cook the "big feast" , as my youngest calls it, and invite everyone to our house. Turkey, cornbread and sausage dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato suffle, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie were always a must for the menu. My mother would bring a centerpiece for each table. These lovely flower and candle arrangements became a part of our Thanksgiving tradition. Dinner was always followed by a good game of dominoes and Uno. My mother would always help me clean the kitchen and put away the leftovers before she left.
More years go by and the boys become adults. My mother has moved on to her heavenly home. So our traditions must change once again. All of my boys do not get to come home for Thanksgiving. For the ones that do, we have the big feast. The feast guest list has changed over the years. Friends and family are included on the list. A few things on the menu have changed over the years but we still have flowers for the tables. One thing that has never changed since the begining with aunt Tip and Granny Rose, is the love that surrounds our table.
I hope you have fond memories of Thanksgivings past. Start a new tradition this year and include fresh flower centerpieces for your tables.
