Thursday, November 19, 2009

Whirlwind

When I was a little girl, I couldn't WAIT to grow up! Grandma would gently remind me that it would happen soon enough. "Don't wish your life away," she'd advise. I was confident that she had no idea what she was talking about. What I failed to realize was how much faster the earth rotates on its axis once you hit old age your forties. Grandma knew that there are never enough hours in the day to process all of the whining and complaining tend to all that needs tending. Work, home, and family pull you in more directions than you ever thought possible, leaving you a rumpled mess at the end of the day.

Enter - THE HOLIDAY SEASON. The time of year that strikes fear in the hearts of mothers, and leaves small children with unrealistic expectations. Or, is it the other way around?

Those of you who have read my blog for any length of time are aware that the holidays changed for me once my grandmother went on to a better place. Last year was the year of firsts. First Thanksgiving and first Christmas without our beloved Grandma. We started new traditions, and muddled through the best we could. In retrospect, it wasn't bad, just different.

The main thing that changed last year was the pace. The whirlwind of holiday activity slowed a bit, as we focused more on family and food than commercialism. Spending precious time together became more important than exchanging gifts. I'd like to continue that this year. We are all watching our pennies more closely, and this may prove to be a popular plan with the extended family. The added benefit will be the stress reduction. Prepare your favorite dish, and come on over! Simple. Perfect.

We have a house FULL of relatives and friends who will be joining us next Friday for our "Day After" Thanksgiving Feast - Year Two. Our home, although crowded, will be filled with good food, laughter and stories of years past. I know Grandma would be pleased:)

17 comments:

Mental P Mama said...

Wonderful new tradition;) Hugs.

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Oh, you are so right on all fronts. Time, holidays, all of it.
I just put the Christmas decorations away. (Well, some of them. the rope lights are still on the fence and there's a strand of outdoor lights on the cedar tree.)

It's insane the way the time is flying. We need to enjoy every second. That means we need to plan more outings. Hopefully I'll make it next Friday. Have a wonderful time at Noe Noe Girl's tomorrow. I"m burning up with a fever as we speak and doubt I'll get out tomorrow night.

Have a chocolate martini for me!Please.

HalfAsstic.com said...

Wow! I LOVE it! Grandma would indeed be pleased and I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say she would also be proud of you.
I hope this holiday season brings you and your family and friends even closer!

Busy Bee Suz said...

Very nice...love the idea of less stress. Grandma will be proud of you all.
We gave up gift exchanging last year for all adults. I only buy for my two and the younger nieces and nefews. It makes it all stress free....just cooking and having fun. That is how the holidays should be, right?

Jo Whitehurst said...

Keeping the holidays about family, is the BEST tradition!

T said...

Sounds just perfect!

I've so parred down the gift giving beyond my girls/mom. I'm finding I'd rather give of my time or just bake/make a goodie!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful tradition! I can only imagine the laughter and memories that will fill your home.

Caution/Lisa said...

We don't have much in the way of family close by so I think I'm envious.

Enjoy your slower-paced holiday season. I think you're onto something great.

Keetha said...

I'm sure she would. What a great tribute to her - a renewed focus on family. Seems fitting.

I hope it's a wonderful season for you and yours. We're hosting Thanksgiving at our house next week - can't wait!

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

I wouldnt miss it for the world!
I'm all about wine I mean stress free! Time does fly! Is that because we are having too much fun?
<><

Daryl said...

An excellent tradition ... xox

tattytiara said...

That's a great direction to head in.

I Am Woody said...

Yes, you are on the right track:)

Country Girl said...

I LOVE day after feasts. Shopping online and then having a big wonderful leftover meal. What a lot of fun.

Meg McCormick said...

My dear grandma died 4 years ago and sadly, interest in our family gathering - that included my step-cousins, from her husband of 30 years - seems to be waning. It makes me sad to not be in touch with them. It makes me feel like my grandma, and my grandpa (who died a year before she did) were the only glue that held the rest of us together.

I'm glad you're keeping yours going, and look forward to spending Thanksgiving with both sides of my husband's family, who are lovely, lovely folks.

Ladybird said...

Ha Ha, great! Thanks, Ladybird

http://www.rainxrunway.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. As I read this it made me miss my Grandma too! She was a wonderful person. I hope your holiday is very special.