Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving heart

What is at the heart of Thanksgiving...?
There is food, family, and gratefulness...
But what else makes it truly special?

Tradition is what comes to mind.
For us that comes in the form of "moms" special touches.
Her favorite amber pressed glass dishes, beautiful crystal glasses and silver place settings.
Along with a traditional roasted turkey and stuffing with homemade cranberries and gravy.
These photos are from last year...as we gathered at my parents' home.
Her table setting, floral arrangements, and decorations
 all make up the tradition of our special Thanksgiving experience.  
Dad pours the wine, 
leads us in grace,
and raises a glass to toast all family and friends
who are gathered near and far, 
and we remember those who have passed on.
All of it has come to represent the heart of Thanksgiving for us.
It is a beautiful package for which I am grateful.
 This year I will play host to my in-laws in our new home.
And I am caught between the Thanksgiving I love and know,
and the one we will create in our home.

The baton is passed in the relay of life...

We will claim many of the old traditions....
and add some new ones as well,
like our blessing box--
a recently rediscovered, now 30 year old hand-made stained glass
gift my mom received and passed down to me and it fits the bill perfectly.
And we will pour the wine 
and toast to those near and far.
And we will find the heart of Thanksgiving 
in remembering the traditions of family gathering... 
and favorite china and crystal...
And our favorite foods...
(including the Latvian family recipe for cranberry sauce!)
and most of all,
 giving thanks for the blessings we share...
Happy Thanksgiving 2015!









9 comments:

  1. Oh what a Beautiful Post about why Thanksgiving is so Special when it is Celebrated from the Heart like this! Thank You for Sharing your Thanksgiving Story and Journey! Happy Thanksgiving from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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    1. Thank you so much Dawn! I hope you have a peaceful heart filled celebration! Xoxo aimee thank you for stopping by!

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  2. Hi Aimee, such a lovely post about your transition in the tradition of your family Thanksgiving. It's sometimes so hard making those changes. My dad passed away on Thanksgiving weekend 16 years ago. It's still a little difficult because of the reminder, but yes, times do change. Your table settings are beautiful, and a beautiful dining room. Have a wonderful and Blessed day with your family! xoxo

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  3. Oh Debra, what mixed feelings today must bring...my MIL was just sharing with me how her own mom passed away thanksgiving day as well. The layers of memories we build, hopeful we can hold on to the beauty of that love, and a peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for you sweet note! Hugs, aimee

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  4. That chandelier is beautiful and your dining room table and chairs make the room.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comments--I love mixing the chairs...and I love my moms Chandy as well! -aimee

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  5. Aimee, your mothers table was gorgeous! I too love the traditions of family at Thanksgiving. Things that have been passed down from generation. Like the fact that I make my mom's pecan pie and stuffing recipe, and I make my mother in laws coconut cream pie recipe. I think they smile down from heaven when they see their favorite recipes being created. It's comforting to know that some of my kids will pass these recipes down after I am gone! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  6. Thank you so much for this wonderful post and all the best for your future

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