The holiday spirit is once again in the air. It is impossible to think about the holidays without contemplating the importance of family relationships. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we long to find peace and joy during this season, and most importantly to be with family. The passing of my dad and grandfather this past year have deepened my desire to gather family around and to value the time spent together.
As my memory brings me to holidays past, I can’t help but smile at some of my more unique – but special, holiday experiences. Like when my mom, siblings, and I celebrated thanksgiving by warming up frozen turkey pot pies for dinner. My dad was a sea captain and was out to sea this particular Thanksgiving. We did not feel like eating a large feast without him, so we were creative and had turkey pot pies and talked about the feast we would have when dad returned home. My mom, siblings, and I still have fond memories of that holiday and laugh about our “creative” Thanksgiving dinner.
Another memory I have is the one I refer to as Thanksgiving in our “Little House in the Arctic”. This particular Thanksgiving we were stationed in an Eskimo village in Alaska located above the Arctic Circle. As we were very far from family, my husband, kids, and I were looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with our friends who lived in the apartment complex adjacent to ours. As Thanksgiving Day approached – so did a massive whiteout blizzard. The arctic blizzard became so treacherous that we dared not venture out our front door to walk to our neighbor’s home where the feast was waiting for our arrival. Even though we were disappointed, we quickly set and decorated the table for an impromptu thanksgiving feast. Even though our plans changed, we fondly remember our rigged up Thanksgiving dinner in our snowed in Arctic apartment.
Some holidays are exactly how we imagine – but then there are those “creative” years that make us smile. No matter how we celebrate, having family to share the experience with makes it memorable.
The hustle and bustle of life passing by.
Time just goes on and to where, and for why?
Change is a constant it seems, as they say,
Today is much different than yesterday.
But unchanged is one thing, and I think you’ll agree,
The need for some family, and good friends –company.
So pause, relax, and take a break and unwind,
For reliable goodness of only the best kind.
We would love for you to leave a comment about one of your most memorable holidays with your family.