As an adult, I sit back and reflect on some of my fondest childhood memories and one that consistently rises to the top is Thanksgiving. I always looked forward to that nice fall day: the cool weather, football, yummy food, and family time.
I would marvel at the skillful way my uncle would carve the turkey. In the army he worked in the kitchen, and I always assumed he had cut thousands of these birds. I would often stand by his butcher block island, waiting for him to offer a choice morsel of meat for me to try. It all seemed so perfect, easy, and really beautiful. Everything was decorated with the holiday trappings, the table was set, and hors d’oeuvres were prepared. Even the formal living room was not just on display but actually being used.
Now that I’m older, I know how much hard work went into those preparations. At this time of year, many families are just beginning to think about the upcoming holidays, how their house will look (P.S. – I know a great furniture store that can help with that), who will be invited, and how to find the time to pull it all together. Ahhhh, the stress. Gazing back into my childhood allows me to fully understand and appreciate how much all of that hard work means to families. So I encourage you to continue your family traditions, make some new ones, and make it beautiful. Your children are watching and will appreciate it….one day.
