Jeanne and I love Thanksgiving.  It’s an opportunity to gather with family and friends for a time of thanksgiving and visiting with one another.  As empty nesters we enjoy it even more since it’s great to get the whole family together around the table.  We catch up with one another and renew our family traditions such as:

Working on a jigsaw puzzle in front of the fireplace

Enjoying our favorite food such as sweet potato with the brown sugar and nuts on top (hey, it’s a vegetable – I’m sure it’s good for you)

Taking the family picture for the Christmas card

Having international students over to the house, some experiencing an American Thanksgiving for the first time

Having a special time with the grandchildren.  This year we took our grandchildren to see the movie Tangled.  It’s got great animation and a great story line, see Lucretia Noble’s post for an insightful analysis of the movie.  It was a special time as I was surrounded by my grandchildren and we laughed and snuggled up to one another as we enjoyed the movie and ate Teddy Grahams.  What will they think of when they hear about the movie or see it again . . . will they think back of going to the movie theater with their grandparents seeing it for the first time?  I’m thankful for the times we can be with family and friends.

What are some of the memories you’re making with your family?  Don’t lose the importance of family and friends in the midst of a busy holiday season!