Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Thursday. There's a lot going on today. I wanted to share a little about what my family is doing for the holiday and I'd love to hear about your day!
When my mom passed away, my dad sold the dining room furniture. He didn't want to celebrate the holidays at his house anymore. He also didn't want to ask any of us, his daughters, to host the family dinner either. So each year for Thanksgiving and Easter we go out to dinner. We head to the Oberlin Inn for a buffett. It's a chance for my family to get together and enjoy each other's company. It's also a chance for us to celebrate my sister's birthday.
My husband, I and various children (depending on who's working) drive down to Ohio for brunch. The drive isn't too long and is often filled with conversation and laughter. I share about memories along the way to the frustration of my family who has heard many of my stories time and time again.
We always stop at the cemetery to visit my mom's grave. At the Evergreen Cemetery in South Amherst, many generations of my family are buried there and we drive by and point out each one, from the two brothers who died in WWII on my birthday before I was born to my grandparents and mom. The peacefulness of the cemetery allows me to talk to my mom and share about my life. Tears usually flow as I cross the crisp earth and head back to my truck.
After the cemetery, we head to brunch. Dad always is in charge. He's guaranteed to be the first there and the first to leave. He must have a plan in his head for what he wants, but I'm never sure what it is. After dinner, we head back to his home for birthday cake and presents. Then, we head home, heavy in heart but happy that we spent time together as a family.
When my mom passed away, my dad sold the dining room furniture. He didn't want to celebrate the holidays at his house anymore. He also didn't want to ask any of us, his daughters, to host the family dinner either. So each year for Thanksgiving and Easter we go out to dinner. We head to the Oberlin Inn for a buffett. It's a chance for my family to get together and enjoy each other's company. It's also a chance for us to celebrate my sister's birthday.
My husband, I and various children (depending on who's working) drive down to Ohio for brunch. The drive isn't too long and is often filled with conversation and laughter. I share about memories along the way to the frustration of my family who has heard many of my stories time and time again.
We always stop at the cemetery to visit my mom's grave. At the Evergreen Cemetery in South Amherst, many generations of my family are buried there and we drive by and point out each one, from the two brothers who died in WWII on my birthday before I was born to my grandparents and mom. The peacefulness of the cemetery allows me to talk to my mom and share about my life. Tears usually flow as I cross the crisp earth and head back to my truck.
After the cemetery, we head to brunch. Dad always is in charge. He's guaranteed to be the first there and the first to leave. He must have a plan in his head for what he wants, but I'm never sure what it is. After dinner, we head back to his home for birthday cake and presents. Then, we head home, heavy in heart but happy that we spent time together as a family.
Because of our travels, I haven't watched the parade in so many years. But that was always a fun thing to do on Turkey Day! Thankfully, we have a few days' break before we do our second Thanksgiving with my husband's family. I often feel sad for my sisters who have to cram two dinners into one day, although they don't have the drive I do.
Grab a seat and share! What are your plans for Thanksgiving or Hanukkah? Do you do anything special? I'd love to hear about your holidays. And remember to be safe and Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Blessed Hanukkah!
Grab a seat and share! What are your plans for Thanksgiving or Hanukkah? Do you do anything special? I'd love to hear about your holidays. And remember to be safe and Have a Happy Thanksgiving and Blessed Hanukkah!
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