By Tammy Thornton
For most of us, Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition. Whether it’s using grandma’s turkey platter, bringing out the kids’ table, or making a family recipe that’s been passed down through the years. Continuing traditions keeps us grounded. It gives us something to hold on to, and those layered memories give us an anchor.
Now add 2020 to the mix, entering like a crazy uncle disrupting the gathering. Nothing is traditional here, between a pandemic including quarantine, parents and students working from home, and oh yeah, let’s throw in political upheaval as an unwelcome guest.
This year, we won’t be seeing our extended family, but my little guy is still excited about the holiday. Though he’s going to miss seeing his cousins, he’s looking forward to the part that speaks to a growing boy—the food. So our table will still have staples such as the brined turkey and oven-baked mashed potatoes, even if the turkey is a little smaller this year. It’s been a tiring year of seemingly non-stop cooking, but even I look forward to cutting all the herbs for my herb-roasted turkey and apple cider gravy. The aroma of the thyme, rosemary, and marjoram mixed with ground nutmeg soothes the soul and evokes anticipation for the upcoming feast and memories of years past.
My vegetarian daughter, however, enjoys mixing things up a bit. She is giving thanks for vegan taquitos, spring rolls, and balsamic marinated mushrooms. New traditions have to start somewhere. Perhaps some of these new additions to the menu will stick. At least a smaller gathering will give us a little more time to prepare these new dishes without the chaos of trying to please a large crowd. (I’m trying to put an optimistic spin on things) Though normally the whole point of Thanksgiving includes spending time with the larger family group, this year will be a step back to breathe and focus on the individuals that sometimes get lost in the shuffle of preparations. We remember that the meaning of the holiday season is to give thanks to God, cherishing our family both far and near, and being grateful for the blessings we’ve been given.
Of course, the quarantine has produced harsh contrasts. While some people have been craving ten minutes of peace and solitude, the elderly and others have been stuck home alone or in nursing homes staring at those isolating walls. You may consider new traditions like baking cookies and pies for residents and staff of long-term facilities near you. Sending cards or goody bags of hand lotion and warm socks is another idea. Of course, contact the long-term care facility first to find out their specific rules about receiving packages for residents. This project could be the beginning of a new tradition to start with your children to teach them empathy for others during difficult times.
While many things are different this year, holding on to those traditions that are possible to keep will help us remember that life has its ups and downs, but we can remain steadfast. Our children will see that though sometimes things crumble around us, we can rebuild if we have a strong foundation. So mash those potatoes, brine that turkey, or simply say a prayer over a store bought meal. But keep the tradition of loving each other for better or worse, and holding on to what is good and true. God bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
