Here at TreadlingHome we value family above all else. The Thanksgiving holiday (in the United States) is one of my favorite holidays for bringing everyone together, blood relatives and those we choose, under one roof to share in the blessings and bounty of the past year. Some share their new loves, some share their promotions at work, others share through their love of cooking and/or baking. It’s not so much about what you have, but what you can give to each other.
The thought of Thanksgiving conjures memories of the women in my family gathered in my grandmother’s kitchen, busily putting the finishing touches on the dishes they have contributed to the meal. The generations of women flowing in and out of the kitchen like the gentle tides of the ocean, greeting one and other as they work, laugh and commune.
The men are in the living room talking about everything that has happened since the last time we were all together, knowing they would just gum up the works in the kitchen. Later they setting up the extra tables and chairs to ensure everyone has a place.
After over 50 years of hosting Thanksgiving in their home, my grandparents stand in the center of their family directing us where to go and when to set things up as if they were the world’s most accomplished maestros of the holidays. Amid all of this perceived chaos, an undeniable warmth of love and thankfulness for each other and our time together permeates every action. A true thankfulness for each other is a rare thing in this world and I count myself extremely blessed to have this with my family and friends.
The idea of “gobble till you wobble” is fully embraced by my family. After the blessings are given by my grandfather, Pappy, it’s time to dig in…and dig in we do. We pass around the Thanksgiving staples of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy followed by the sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and cranberry jelly (yes, jelly not sauce for our family). Everything is served from dishes we have used my entire life and passed around the table with smiles and comments of admiration for a job well done by all.
After the main meal is over, it’s time for dessert. Our family has always had the traditional pumpkin pie and my great-grandmother’s, Dum’s, french silk chocolate pie; in recent years my brother has taken over the pies and added my dad’s mother’s, Grammy P’s, pecan pie as well. An addition you will not hear me complaining about as this is probably my favorite. This usually wraps up the meal and everyone starts to cleanup.
Cleanup is usually a combined team effort, everyone pitching in where they can as everyone is overfilled and trying to get to the living room to enjoy their post-meal nap before the football game and more chatting. It might sound totally ordinary and stereotypical, and it is; but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I hope you enjoyed this little delve into my Thanksgiving holiday world. Please feel free to share your Thanksgiving traditions in the comments below. If you are from another country, please share your thoughts on our American Thanksgiving traditions and if you have anything similar in your area.
Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving, from the TreadlingHome family to yours.
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