Tuesday, November 21, 2006

A different sort of Thanksgiving

Cliff had a Thanksgiving dinner at work.  Then we had a Thanksgiving dinner at our daughter's house Saturday night.  Enough is enough, although I do appreciate turkey.  But I was prepared to do the big turkey dinner here: noodles, sweet potatoes, broccoli-rice casserole, and rolls, on Thursday.

Then Rachel gave me an "out".

"Mom," she said, "since Dad has had so much salt and stuff lately, if it's OK with you, we could do Monica's birthday dinner on Thanksgiving Day."

Whoa!!!!  Prayers can be answered.

We can either have an early cheeseburger dinner (Monica's choice of fare) around 11 AM, or an evening repast, around 5:30 PM.  Either way, Cliff and I can take off on the motorcycle.  Thank God for this!

Folks, I've pretty much lost heart for the holidays.  I'm sorry, but it's all just mechanical these days.  I love the memories of Christmas when I was a child, and of Christmas when my babies were small.  But these days, I just can't care much.  If  I have my way, we won't mess with the stupid cheap artificial tree we bought last year, with last year's decorations still on it.

Please don't ask me to go through the motions again.  Every day is Thanksgiving here, and Christmas memories are wonderful, and maybe when I have great-grandbabies to hold, new life will come into the holidays.

But for now, I'd just as soon pass.

Me and Cliff on the Gold Wing, with a picnic lunch stowed away, sounds wonderful right now.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Im forcing myself this year too.... going through the motions but today Leo put some lights on the trees outside and they look so pretty.... once I get started and know what I will get the kids its not going to be so bad.... Thanksgiving is not my favorite because I always was the one to have everyone and I just wore out.... it just seems like a lot of work now but I will have a small turkey and my 2 unmarried sons will come over ..... always happy when Thanksgiving is over but I like the pie. lol  going to the store and getting one at the bakery..... see how bad it is..... never did that before.... I hope you have a wonderful day..... Sandra

Anonymous said...

You are a lady after my own heart. We will spend Thanksgiving with John's family and they will spend a lot of the day talking about their exes and then be very nice to their face. Think I will go for a walk. Paula

Anonymous said...

HERE ! HERE ! Donna........I'm with YOU !! The holidays are too commercial. And people seem to forget what we are supposed to be celebrating. Instead it's all about 'stuff' and wearing yourself out planning and running to and fro gathering this and that. Too much hub-bub for this ol' gal. I say BAH !  Now I'll go wrap the gifts !!  LOL !!

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you!!  Once my friend Joey packed a lunch on Thanksgiving and went up to the mountains. We sat in the snow and had our holiday meal with a bottle of wine on the mountaintop.  It was one of my best holidays spent...EVER!
I wish I had a motorcycle to go out on.  You guys will have a great time!!  Pics..don't forget pics!!
Pam

Anonymous said...

Its alot of work....dont feel bad about that...we do it so the kids have those memories...cause when we were kids we just got to enjoy without doing much...It kicks butt to do all of that everyyear.....plus...we carry worries all year long and its not like that goes away one day out of the year...I understand what your saying...we all do....They will need the memories becuase life is rough..and I sware good memories is the strongest moving on that we can attach too...later on....I still wish I could sit back and watch Charlie Brown with the eyes I had as a kid...I miss the magic...-Raven

Anonymous said...

Sounds good to me.....uhm.....does Cliff know how to install a side car?

PS: I'm leaving today to go do the Thanksgiving thing in Atlanta.  I'll try to check in along the way.

Anonymous said...

How ever you choose to celebrate -- I know you are one Thankful lady.  Enjoy !
'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

I think many feel the same way....families are not close by...hard to dredge up enthusiasm...Christmas started the day AFTER Thanksgiving....now it starts the end of September...and I don't really hear alot about what I grew up with....love, caring, sneaking and hiding gifts...making our own even...like you...think I will keep it in my heart and with my memories...and enjoy what I have close to home...enjoy that ride and lunch...laugh....love....and happy day.....Hugs from KY...Ora

Anonymous said...

Everyone must go their own way. I enjoy the holidays. It seems the older I get the better it is for me. It is not the presents, it just makes me feel good. I do it for me even when no one is there.

Anonymous said...

Mosie, I believe holidays are about the meaning of the day.  Not about the decorations, the presents, the food and music.  We all need to stop and remember what we are celebrating, and celebrate every day as you mentioned.  I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your entries.  I am hooked!  Your love for your husband and family is YOUR gift.  My husband passed away 4 1/2 years ago.  I am 44.  So, the holidays are hard, but the meaning is the present.  I changed my life after his death.  I bought a horse farm in SC and have followed a dream.  I now own three Missouri Foxtrotters.  I enjoy hearing about your Blue and Libby.  Have a wonderful time with your husband and family.  You can see (and I guess anyone else who reads this) my horses at www.fortuitousfarm.com
Make a new memory with Cliff!
Take care,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your day riding and picnicking with Cliff. Helen

Anonymous said...

It should all be about how you enjoy the holidays, Donna...  It's what's in your heart that matters.... who says you have to be traditional??  Enjoy the day, however you plan to spend it! :)

Jackie

Anonymous said...

We're having pizza over here on turkey day, or something super easy.  It will be different for us too.  Have a great day and I'll be thinking of you and yours!! Blessings,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

What a great idea.  You'll be enjoying a GOLD WING on turkey day.  It's kinds of the same.    Mrs. L

Anonymous said...

Amen to that!  Talk about burn-out.  I have it too.

Anonymous said...

Funny thing is I feel the same way about the Holidays. I am thankful for each day and Christmas memories are cherished. I was thinking it was my age, or is it the way things have changed?