Léna Roy: Happy Thanks and Giving

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanks and Giving

There is a new kitchen in my house. Which means, a working oven to put a 13 pound turkey with stuffing in, and a refrigerator to chill the Martinelli's sparkling apple cider. We are keeping things very simple this year, wanting to celebrate this holiday in our new house and create new rituals.

When my Gran was alive, the extended family all gravitated towards her and we would have a big shin-dig wherever she needed to be, whether it was in the city or the homestead in Northwestern Connecticut. But since she passed, we have all been trying to find our center, and I can't think of Thanksgiving without thinking of her, as her birthday is also just around the corner. So, without further ado, let me give her a shout out: we love you and miss you Gran! You are always in our hearts . . .

My first Thanksgiving with my husband was in 1996 and we had just shacked up together in Moab, Utah. My parents were getting divorced, and this was one of the first times I wouldn't be with my family. What to do for the holiday? My future husband was all about action, so it became about joy, rather than loss. Neither of us had been to Las Vegas, so we drove to the dust bowl of neon and celebrated there, thoroughly enjoying the culture shock and cognitive dissonance that comes with going from one extreme environment to another, and having a turkey dinner in a fancy hotel restaurant and seeing a show.

I am grateful for my years with my husband, the three children we have together, the life we have built and continue to build. I am grateful to have this chance at being a published author, for the work I do with kids as we all strive together to find our own unique voice. I am grateful for wonderful friends, new and old. I am grateful that I continue to learn and grow. I am grateful to have a kitchen in which to finally cook a Thanksgiving feast for the first time on my own.

The kids and I made chocolate chip pumpkin bread yesterday (and are having friends over this morning to share it with us), my eldest son made two pumpkin pies, we had good friends over for dinner on their way to Cape Cod. This morning as I write this I am half watching Scooby Doo, we have a new puzzle to do and a gingerbread house to make, and of course, the art project - making the Thanksgiving Tree. Uh. Don't forget about the FOOD!

And look at the time! I'd better get crack-a-lackin' on the bird! But I want to hear from you too! (There's always so much to write, and not enough time!) What are you thankful for this year? What are some of your stranger Thanksgiving rituals? AND . . . wish me luck with the turkey!