Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thanksgiving



This post is inspired by a recent post, then comment, and then subsequent post on Nancy Lindemeyer's blog. As far back as I can remember, we celebrated Thanksgiving lunch at my grandmother's home. We always gathered there with as many of the family as could come. It may have been just my grandmother and grandfather with their two daughters (my mother being one of them) and their families. Or, it may have included great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and lots of cousins. But it was always a time for family to come together. We ate together while we all caught up with what had been going on that year in our lives. We shared reminiscences of days gone by and just generally had a wonderful time of fellowship. I am quite sure that many of you have similar memories.

Thanksgiving Table 2006


In the earlier years of our marriage, my husband and I did different things at Thanksgiving. Sometimes it was spent with my husband's family and sometimes with mine. But for the past number of years, it has been held in our home. It is always such a wonderful time of being together with both sides of the family around our table. The food preparations are usually not too taxing, as everyone shares the burden by bringing a couple of their favorite dishes. We put it all together and enjoy the blessings the Lord has given us.

Thanksgiving Table 2007


In preparation, I don't do a lot of decorating. But Tuesday I put out my special Thanksgiving things. These are special not because of what they look like, how expensive they were, or what store they came from. No, these are special things because of how they came to me. The Pilgrim figurines you see in the pictures of my table each year were given to me by my grandmother, along with a number of ears of dried, multicolored maize. These, along with whatever other fall accoutrements I decide pull together, rest on my dining room table. The Pilgrims, maize, candles, and a fall arrangement are set on a beveled-edge mirror which belonged to my grandmother. This mirror was the base for many a centerpiece on my grandmother's dining room table. And becuase she has gone Home before me, it resides on mine.

Thanksgiving Table 2009


But my true treasures from this mother's heart are the Pilgrims and Indians that grace our kitchen table. These are not just any Pilgrims and Indians, you see, but ones that were colored by the small hands of my chilren when they were very young. I proudly display them on the kitchen table each year, and my kids have reached the ages (in their teens/preteens) that they want to wince when they see how brightly colored these treasures are. Two Pilgrims and two Indians share their bounty of a turkey, a pie, a basket of corn, and a pumpkin. No black and white garb would do for these Pilgrims! And a purple-haired Indian man... you just have to love it. And if you have children, then you know just why these cutouts are treasured and displayed proudly every year.



So much to be thankful for... friends, family, all God's good blessings!

5 comments:

  1. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for getting together with family, laughing and talking over old memories. Your decorations are just my style - not overdone and meaningful.
    I really like your dining room - is the trim grey or pale blue. Very serene.

    Lorrie

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  2. Oh I do love that purple-haired Indian! LOL! I love the bringing back of things our children have done when they were small. Your dining room table is very lovely and inviting. I love your decorations. It will not be long before we will be sitting around another table counting our Thanksgiving blessings.

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  3. Hi Christi..We're having a low key Thanksgiving this year-just the four of us so I'm going to pull out all my old Victoria's and get some more ideas..Your blog will be me started:-)..Lovely ideas..

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  4. Lovely tables and how great to be able to have family together on yur Thanksgiving days.

    Trust you are completely well b y now and the Autumn colours are beautiful.

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  5. What I like best about Thanksgiving is that it truly is family time -- no presents to distract you, no glitz to distract you!

    Your table is beautiful -- truly and the memories make it shine even brighter!

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