That’s what it was called when I was in high school! It was actually a huge football game tradition between two rivalries in Little Rock, Arkansas-Hall High School (where my husband attended-although I didn’t know him yet) and my alma mater-Central High School). The focus of the day was friends and football but always, the food!
Now that I am older and my kids are grown “turkey day” has changed from thanksgiving feasts at school to thankfulness to GRATEFULNESS for life and health and love! Life soars past us at super sonic speed and every year that passes leaves me gobsmacked (I think that’s a word -I’ve always liked it) at what I have NOT accomplished in the previous 12 months.
Do you ever feel a little depressed at this time of year? I know that I do. What I’ve been told is that we are normal-we are not alone. While it SEEMS that the whole world is a picture perfect photo op and my house is anything but, I have to remember, that what we see on facebook is only a highlight reel-its not the messy reality that we all live in. I can tell you-FOR REAL-that should I ever post a perfect photograph of an awesome plate of food -said food may or may have not been made from scratch by me AND it was perfectly lit BEFORE it was photographed IN portrait mode AND everyone had to move their dirty dishes out of the way first. THAT, my friends, is real life.
Here is also real life! I’m an only child married to an only child! For many reasons, holidays make me sad. One day, I might share about some of those things-I’m still “unpacking” that. But…. these things I know. In this world we live in, although easy to forget, we do have so much to be grateful for. The little things mean a lot! Take time to SEE the people around you! They might be feeling a little lonely too -especially this time of year. Create memories with your family-not just buy more STUFF!!! Say “hello” to strangers, smile at a struggling mom with a crying baby-we have all been there (she is doing the best she knows how to do), give out some grace this year, don’t be afraid of the messy-you don’t have to be perfect. Oh yeah-it’s not a competition. And… in case you need permission, that toxic “friend”? – it’s ok to create healthy boundaries- you are not the problem. (check out Dr. Henry Cloud-Boundaries-great book-life changing) drcloud.com
Oh-and the TURKEY? yeah…… you can buy that…. Funny thing? I don’t even like turkey. But we will have turkey because my husband loves it and so does my new son-in-law- But because there are only 4 of us-and 2 of us are always counting calories/carbs, it will be a limited feast-I’ll head over to 407 BBQ across the road and buy a small amount of turkey and ham and pulled pork (yep-because I’d rather have that). We will have lots of left overs which will make for yummy sandwiches later! 407bbq.com
We walk a fine line between the traditional and non-traditional around here-one year we actually had pizza for thanksgiving-or was it spaghetti? Shocking, I know. It’s just soooo much food for so few people. All I remember about that year is that both my kids were home and that was all that mattered to me.
So I’ll go drink my protein shake for now and make the shopping list. Sure wish our son could be here-oh well, I can’t spend time on things I can’t control-I will be GRATEFUL for my son and his life, pray for him and look forward to seeing him again. Life is short! Thankful is not a strong enough word. Lets be GRATEFUL!!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving! Kelly ☘️
This Sweet Southern Life 