My childhood memories of Thanksgiving include family visits to both sets of grandparents, all of whom lived in St. Louis, Mo. which was only a 2 hour drive from our home. Thanksgiving eve, if there is such a thing, was always spent with my dad’s side of the family and Thanksgiving day at my mom’s side of the family.  They say opposites attract and well … that was certainly the case with my parents.

We would have ham at the Johnsons and turkey the next day at the Barrett’s.  We played cards and crammed into the Johnsons bungalow in the evening and dressed in our best with room to roam at the Barrett’s very large home the next day.  Although the atmosphere was like night and day, the core value of family togetherness was the same at both houses. We told stories, shared jokes, gave thanks for things that had happed throughout the year and ate way too much.

What is your Thanksgiving tradition? Have you asked your children what they consider is a Thanksgiving tradition in your family? Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Some live down the street from one another and others live in multiple places spread across the world.  You might find it hard to continue family traditions because of mileage between siblings or conflicting work schedules.

What did I do this year to spice things up?

I’m trying something completely crazy like renting an RV to visit a distant relative.  Yes, that is our plan for Thanksgiving!

My parents have rented an RV and we will all be headed to my brothers in Plymouth, MI.   Of course my kids are so excited they can hardly stand it.  They have movies packed, plenty of food, books and cards to while away the hours.  Please pray for patience and good weather.  I am not sure if this will become a family tradition but we will certainly have the togetherness part.