It all kicks off with Boys 2 Men. Yes, you read that correctly. Our Thanksgiving kicks off with Boys 2 Men singing a most awesome rendition of Silent Night. Outdated? Perhaps. But this has been our tradition since, well, Boys 2 Men came out with their Christmas Album in. . .1993?. . .and my sister and I will have it no other way.
While Wanya, Shawn, Michael, and Nathan belted out their beautiful carol we loaded our plates with turkey and all the fixings. Oh, but Thanksgiving is so much more than the food, isn’t it? I love that this time of year calls us to gather more often. To play more often. To sit. To talk. To enjoy. To be thankful.
We gathered at my Dad’s house and lingered while the aroma of turkey filled in the air. Cousins could be found sprawled together on couches with their parents phones. . .
While parents were lost in the fun of their children’s toys. . .
In all reality, Thanksgiving is another day (of many) that I count my blessings. Always, at the top of that list is my family. We are far from perfect and we have quirks but without a doubt I come from an I’ve-got-your-back-no-matter-what kind of family and I am so thankful for that.
When I laid my head down that night my belly was full and my heart was happy, realizing that despite all we’ve been through. . . home is still home.
During our dinner my sister and I conspired our plan for Friday. Help Dad put up Christmas decorations. Since Chad and I had decided not to put up Christmas decorations in our own home this year (remember? house for sale.) I was pumped to see my Dad’s house transformed.
I honestly can not remember a time when decorating the tree was not an event. As early as I can remember, we would gather around the tree for hours while my brother, sister, and I weighted down the bottom 1/3 of the tree with every one of our ornaments.
Oh, how it warms my heart to see that this tradition continues with our kids.
These are such simple things, aren’t they? Gathering. Decorating. Being Together. Yes, simple. But simple things are the make-up of my fondest childhood memories. I think this is one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me.
Our plan was to head home after the decorating, but after all the work I couldn’t bear the thought of not viewing the scene at night. We stayed another night and drank up all the Christmas spirit we could before we headed home to our undecorated home.
Yes, we lingered. . .
Once home it took all of 24 hours for me to know that I just couldn’t do it. House for sale or not. . . I just couldn’t do it. . .
Truly, I’m half elf. No Christmas decorations? No way.
My extremely understanding husband obliged my “need” and unpacked all of our Christmas decor and we made a massive mess making our home look a lot like Christmas.
As I sit in the living room and write this, tiny white lights are scattered around me and stockings hang above the fire place. Our village is right where it belongs above the kitchen cabinets and the tree will be brought in later this week. Somehow, this settles my heart. Believe me, I know that Christmas is about so much more than decorations and gifts and hoopla but these tiny details matter to me. Traditions matter to me.
This year we are making a concerted effort to help the kids to understand what this season is all about. I’m excited about it. This truly is a beautiful time of year and even though it comes every year, my excitement about it never fades.
Seriously, does it get any better than this?
LOVE that Boyz II Men song. LOVE the Christmas lights pic 🙂
I'm glad you relented and decorated after all. Here's hoping it gives your house the extra warmth and feeling of good cheer that makes someone decide they must have it! Oh and I love the picture of Meadow with the lights.
I love that you kick off the holiday season with a little Boyz II Men…awesome 🙂
And finding those traditions with family during the holidays is the best! Glad you had a great Thanksgiving and glad you got all YOUR Christmas decorations out. It really does just make you feel happy 🙂 We need to get ours out soon!!
And that last picture of Meadow….seriously, it is fantastic. Absolute perfection!