Happy American Thanksgiving. May you be safe from Covid 19 and Republican Relatives.
When our grandparents and parents were still living, our families used to gather a few times each year, Easter, Canadian Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But as the older generations passed away and we scattered around the globe, it is rare that the cousins or second cousins get together. The older generations were the glue that held us together. I miss the good times when we were young.
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| What? No mashed potatoes? Criminal |
I grew up in a very small family (no relatives other than the immediate family). I was deprived.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate it.
My dad had three sisters and my mom two sisters so family gatherings were never all that big. One of my highschool friends had a family reunion a couple years ago of direct descendants of his grandfather (whom I knew). 550 people were eligible to attend and 450 showed up. Now THAT is a large family.
DeleteI think the mashed potatoes are in the dish at the very top of the photo, just barely visible!
ReplyDeleteOh, good. Scared me for a minute
DeleteMost of my dad family lived back in Michigan. My mom side was a lot closer. I have lot first cousin on that side, 27 of them. We did get together on major holidays. But around 1975 it start to decline.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
The older generations were dying off by 1975, weren't they. Both sides of my family were all within a 70 mile radius so getting together was not a problem. Until the cousins grew up. 27 cousins is a good number. Lots of friends.
DeleteSame thing in our family: We used to have big family gatherings at least a couple of times a year, but that stopped after I left home at 18. (Probably not my fault.) ;-) I still keep in touch with a couple of cousins, but nobody seems to have the time or the inclination. Don't know why - maybe we're all busier, or maybe social contact with friends is easier and more widespread so we don't 'need' family anymore. I miss those big family gatherings, too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. friends!
I am in touch with all my cousins and a few of my second cousins, usually a few times each year, by email or Messenger, but like yours we are scattered. We live in a much different world than our parents and grandparents. And as Calvin said, "I am related to people I don't relate to".
DeleteFunny, I've always associated Thanksgiving with North America. Is there a comparable celebration or holiday in the Ukraine?
ReplyDeleteIt is a North American thing. We do not have anything similar though on Independence Day, many Ukrainians give thanks that Ukraine finally got out from under Moscow's bootheel. If we can keep it that way. Putin is not pleased of course.
DeleteChicken, dressing, mashed potatoes, squash and a good wine - I'm stuffed; but will eat it again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYum Yum
the Ol'Buzzard
A perfect day. And leftovers after festive meals are always good.
DeleteThe Glue that held us Together is what the previous Generations were, they had different priorities... the Youngsters seem to put more emphasis on how many they have on their 'Friends' List on the Book of Faces and how many 'Likes' they get to their Sharing of Memes and Tweets... when they have absolutely no-one they could call at 3:00 a.m. if they had a real Crisis. I'm glad I'm Old, but I do still have much to be Thankful for even tho' most we're closest to have either moved away or passed away by now.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for today's teenagers as I don't know any really. My kids generation are all in their late 30s and 40s. My kids are close to each other and to some of their cousins and second cousins. I am close to my kids though I am far away and we all can call at 3:00 am and have.
DeleteWhen I was back in Saskatchewan for two years, I made a point of reconnecting with friends from previous lives. Years ago I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding and discovered my relatives were no more weird than those of everyone else so began to reconnect.
But I too am glad I am old. The world is so different now than in my grandparents and parents time. Just think, 65 years after the first heavier than air flight, there was a man on the moon.
I still remember those days of our large family gatherings, most typically at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and New Year's Eve & Day. It seems like over the years as the kids grow and have kids of their own, families spread and older relatives pass, that tradition gets watered down until it's only a memory. I'm thankful that I still hold it dear in my head. For how long, I don't know, but I'm keeping it for as long as I'm able to, even though many other memories are fading or becoming distorted.
ReplyDeleteThat is me exactly. At my grandparents or one of my aunts or at our home. I hope your memories of the good times never fade. If you need a hug, I am sending one your way
DeleteThe Holidays are a mixed bag in my memories. I can remember some great times with family breaking bread together. But then I can also remember alcohol infused mania that has made me wary of those Holidays. These past few years however, my opinion of Thanksgiving in particular has changed since we now celebrate it with friends down the road. Reminds me of the good times without the baggage.
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate in that one side of my family did not drink AT ALL. And the other side may have had a glass or two but never when my folks were around. Too much booze can ruin things. I am glad you have people to celebrate Thanksgiving with and enjoy it.
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