Hey everyone, it’s your health bestie, Barbara!
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A healthy thanksgiving can take form in many shapes.
I decided to cover some holiday topics since it is that time of year. I am sharing what I will do this Thanksgiving season and contrast it with Thanksgivings I grew up with.
Thanksgiving Growing Up
Growing up, Thanksgiving was filled with activities. We had to prepare for the big Turkey day. As a family we wanted to make sure we had the house ready for other family members to visit. We also wanted to be prepared to go to other family members houses as well.
Wednesday night my sister and my mom cooked many of the sides and desserts. My dad made has famous caramel cake. This way the cake could sit in the fridge and cool and we could cook the turkey in morning.
Thursday we would have dinner together as a family unit, my mom, dad and sister. We set the table with a special clothe for Thanksgiving dinner. We each had a mat, two plates, one large for the main meal and sides and then a smaller plate for our pie. The utensils were place properly next to the plates.
We took the time to put the turkey in the center of the table with the sides and gravies around it. We took turns passing the sides around so everyone could get what they wanted. My dad would cut the turkey and put it on our plate.
We always dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner and took pictures. After eating we put everything in the fridge and cleaned the kitchen before we left. We knew we would be exhausted after visiting several houses spread out through town.
At other family members houses I ate smaller plates. These usually contained with desserts that we did not have at home. My dad would bring his caramel cake and give everyone a small slice.
Those invigorating and vivid holidays really filled my cup with joy. As an adult thanksgiving is much more quiet.
Walk Through the Park
Gradually I reduced those family visits across town and cooking large meals. This year I plan to start my Thanksgiving with a walk around 8 am through the park. I love to feel the fresh cool air, hear the water run in the creek and listen to the birds sing as they sit in the trees above.
The walk helps to center me.
Day with my Parents
This week, my parents will drive into town and stay a few days at a hotel. After the walk I will go spend the day with them. For dinner I will have a salad and they are going to order a meal for pickup.
I plan to surprise them with some Christmas presents since they will visit my sister during that time.
Conclusion
I grew up loving the joyful circuit of holiday visits. There was the quick hello as I walked through the different floors and rooms to make sure I talked to everyone there. I would grab a small dessert and listen to the conversations.
Those days were fulfilling, each family stop with filled with layers of laughter, warmth and belonging. The conversation, the food, the rush to make to everyone’s home in a decent amount of time. There was a desire to make sure we all felt connected even though we were in different homes.
As an adult the rhythm has changed but the need for connection is still there. I find myself drawn to the early sunsrise, the fresh air and songs from the birds. There is also the unhurried, one on one time with my parents. I enjoy the contrast of both Thanksgivings.
Each activity is fulfilling in a different way. The holiday rounds celebrated community, togetherness and a shared pulse of knowing we are in this together. Today the quieter version honors presence and deeper listening. Together they form a whole, different seasons from the same love.
Next week we will continue our healthy through the holiday season.
This is Barbara with Health Solutions Today. Remember, every day can be a healthy day.