Some families have holiday traditions that run deep. Not me, and not my family. I'm the first-generation American child of German Jewish parents who left Germany in the early 1930's, made a stop in Palestine for the next fifteen or so years and then came to America.
We never really celebrated the traditional American holidays. I think my parents were just busy trying to make a good life here and never quite figured out all the holiday-ish things. Plus, with their Jewish roots, it just wasn't the thing to celebrate anything other than Jewish holidays, no matter if they were secular or religious.
And so you have it. From year to year as an adult, I've always just done whatever was the thing to do that year, depending on what was going on in my life.
My daughter, son-in-law and grands are with their familiars. My husband's kids were with their mom. The hubby and I had a "traditional" dinner with my sister-in-law and her family. It was low-key and friendly, relaxed and warm. The food was de-LISH and abundant. The in-laws are wonderful ... I'm thankful that they've made me a part of their family.
I'm thankful for a lot of things. But tonight I'm most thankful that we had dinner with my mother-in-law, who has not been feeling so well. For the first time in weeks, though, she really seemed to be rallying and rediscovering her joy for life.
Life is good and I'm loving it...and with a very full and happy belly too!
We never really celebrated the traditional American holidays. I think my parents were just busy trying to make a good life here and never quite figured out all the holiday-ish things. Plus, with their Jewish roots, it just wasn't the thing to celebrate anything other than Jewish holidays, no matter if they were secular or religious.
And so you have it. From year to year as an adult, I've always just done whatever was the thing to do that year, depending on what was going on in my life.My daughter, son-in-law and grands are with their familiars. My husband's kids were with their mom. The hubby and I had a "traditional" dinner with my sister-in-law and her family. It was low-key and friendly, relaxed and warm. The food was de-LISH and abundant. The in-laws are wonderful ... I'm thankful that they've made me a part of their family.
I'm thankful for a lot of things. But tonight I'm most thankful that we had dinner with my mother-in-law, who has not been feeling so well. For the first time in weeks, though, she really seemed to be rallying and rediscovering her joy for life.
It's a holiday break over at Alphabe-Thursday, but I'm linking with my holiday non-traditions! Happy Thanksgiving to all.
16 comments:
Thank you so much for stopping by today. It is so nice to meet you. Thanks also for sharing your Thanksgiving memories. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts and seeing your pictures.
You asked me about the wine...yes indeed the Australian wine is very good but when I first tasted a Californian wine a few years on our first trip to America I fell in love with them! They are very different to the Aussie blends. I also love the American chardonays. They are so oaky. Ours are really boring these days and are predominantly unoaked which I don't like!
Thanks again for visiting!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
What wonderful family photos!
I think every meal you share with loved ones is cause for thanksgiving.
I agree with Judie. Anytime family is together is a time for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the rest of the holiday... I'm guessing lots of leftovers.
Dana
Likes family pictures :) Happy thanksgiving :)
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Thank you for your kind comment. I'm enjoying your blog as well -- terrific shots all.
They look like a nice family, Anita. Cute girls, too! (I'm showing my age, aren't I) I should say, cute young women!
=)
I love those beautiful family photos, full of happiness. Greetings.
It looks as if you had a wonderful day ! with all the family around. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving because we all stayed in Europe, lol !
Precious memories made here
Happy Thanksgiving!
Time with family like this is so precious, and wonderful.
What a joyful smile she has! Being surrounded by family is a truly special thing.
What wonderful photos of your holiday non-traditions! =>
What lovely photos! They really capture the warmth of being together. It's neat to hear some of the history of you as well. You communicate in such an honest and friendly way. It's always a pleasure to drop by here.
No matter the tradition (or non-tradition!) any excuse to get together with family and friends is a good one!
Wonderful, wonderful photos of you and your family :o) I agree with Judie too about every meal shared together is cause for thanksgiving :o)
And so good to hear that your mother-in-law was feeling better and surrounded by all your love.
Blessings & Aloha!
Thank you for stopping by...and yes, it is so nice to have skype and iChat, etc to see those that live in other states.
What a beautiful, beautiful family you have.
I'm so glad you had this gift of time with her...her smile clearly shows her joy at being able to be with you all!
This was a lovely post.
I'm honored to get to 'meet' many of your loved ones.
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