Two weeks ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving with family for the first time in thirteen years. I’m grateful to be home for the holidays and look forward to Christmas. Although we traveled from New Mexico to Tennessee to spend Christmas together most years while we lived away, it’s great to live near our family again.
While in New Mexico, traditions changed. We often traveled for Thanksgiving and toured the Southwest. Over the years, we visited Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico; the old western town of Tombstone, Arizona; San Diego, California; and San Antonio, Texas. We made family memories on these trips with our youngest daughter.
Traditions changed in Tennessee while we were gone too. We weren’t sure we could arrange for everyone to gather for dinner this year, but I thank the Lord it worked out. Our oldest daughter often gets together with her in-laws, but they planned to celebrate on Saturday. Our daughter-in-law usually shares the day with her family, but they were out of town. Everything worked well for us except for missing our oldest grandson. He’s in the marching band at Mississippi State and had a game. We enjoyed time with him later that weekend.
Instead of our typical turkey, hubby cooked two delicious chickens in the smoker. We also prepared several traditional sides and pumpkin pie for dessert. I’d made a Waldorf salad but forgot to take it out of the fridge. I ate all of it over the next few days.
Christmas plans for Christmas Eve include our three families attending church together late that afternoon and then meeting in our home for an Italian dinner. And, of course, open gifts around the tree.
Another holiday treat happens this weekend. With living 1200 miles away, we couldn’t invite our youngest grandchildren over to spend the night with Papa and Nana. Our granddaughter, age eleven, and our grandson, age eight, will spend the night with us for the first time. We plan to take them to a drive-through Christmas light display and play games while they are with us.
I’m thankful for many things. Family is near the top of my list, and I’m grateful to be home for the holidays to spend quality time with them. Wishing you and your family a healthy and merry Christmas!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1, NIV
Photo by Jed Owen - Unsplash