I love having something to look forward to and right now it is Thanksgiving and camping with my family. Every year since I was in elementary school we have gone camping for Thanksgiving. I guess it is somewhat non-typical since so many of my friends are eating off their grandmother's fine china in a dining room but for me, Thanksgiving dinner was meant to be had at a picnic table under a spectacular canopy of brilliantly colored fall leaves with the smell of a campfire in the background.
The most common thing people ask me when I tell them we camp for Thanksgiving is about what we eat. Well, we eat the same thing everyone else does ... Turkey, dressing, cranberry salad, pumpkin pies, etc etc ... and yes, we prepare it all ahead or at the campgrounds.
As I am typing this I feel like I am typing the most normal of traditions because that is what it is for our family. However in the weeks leading up to the holiday I am always reminded that our tradition is somewhat departed for the norm.
I am truly thankful that we have this tradition and time away with our family. It is a quite time to recenter before the hectic holiday pace. It is an entire block of time dedicated to good books, hikes, outdoor exploring and making memories. I sure am looking forward to it!
I completely understand how it feels to be out in the "real world" where people talk about going home or to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. Then it's my turn to share and I tell them that this year, we will be camping in Mississippi for the holiday. While I'm there, it's the most natural thing in the world. When I talk about it with others, they look at me like I have three heads. It doesn't matter. Traditions are special and this one helps us to stop with all that keeps us busy to truly have the time to be thankful, read some good books, eat some good food, and spend time with our families. I, too, am thankful for this tradition and am looking forward to it :-)
Posted by: Amy L. | November 14, 2009 at 07:08 AM