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Nostalgia November 2015

As I Recall...

Over the River and Through the Woods

By Jerry Ginther

The men folk would gather in the living room or family room to chat about the upcoming football game or recent fishing and/or hunting trips while they waited for the call to dinner. I listened to them all and was soon aware that the fish in the first story was never the largest or weighed the most.

That is how one of the old Thanksgiving Day songs begins, followed by “to Grandmother’s house we go”? We all learned that song as kids, sang it before the holiday in grade school, and identified with the fun of going to grandma’s house for the day even if grandma didn’t live close. Usually, aunts, uncles and cousins we had not seen throughout the year would be present for the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Most would arrive early and the ladies would all get busy in the kitchen to help with last-minute preparations. The spirit of the conversations was cheerful as everyone exchanged pleasant greetings and began to catch up on family happenings since they were last together.

The men folk would gather in the living room or family room to chat about the upcoming football game or recent fishing and/or hunting trips while they waited for the call to dinner. I listened to them all and was soon aware that the fish in the first story was never the largest or weighed the most.

The television would not be turned on until after the meal and everyone had had time to visit. In those days, conversation ruled at family gatherings. Cousins, usually of the younger set, would either find an interesting adult conversation to listen in on or find a remote room away from the “old folks” to have one of their own. If the weather wasn’t too blustery they would find an outside game for entertainment.

At last we’d get the call that dinner was served. Most of the time Grandmother’s dining room table would not accommodate all present, so, additional smaller tables with folding chairs would be brought into service.

The entire house was filled with the aroma of the feast about to be served, but before we would eat, conversation was halted and a family member would lead us in prayer asking for the Lord’s blessing on the family and food that had been prepared. My grandmother referred to it as “saying grace” and no one picked up a fork at her table during any meal until “grace” was said lest you received that silent stare while she waited for you to return it to the table.

Another song for the holiday comes to mind; the Hymn of Thanksgiving that we also learned in school. The first line begins, “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.” Being thankful was an American tradition long before it was a specific holiday. Now, we have an unambiguous day set aside for this consideration where we may gather with thankful hearts, celebrate and give thanks for our many blessings.

Traditionally, in prominence as a religious or family day, it ranks right up there with Christmas and Easter. Many years ago, when our children were small, we began the practice of allowing each one to name one specific thing for which they were especially thankful before we said our prayer. Now, our grandchildren do the same when they are present here for Thanksgiving Day. I know many families that observe this tradition among the adults as well as the youngsters. In this way we remember the reason for the day.

Whatever practices or traditions are observed in your home, we can all be thankful that we have this special day in America, because we do have so much for which to be grateful. It is my prayer that each and every one will have a blessed and wonderful holiday with family and/or friends.

 

Jerry Ginther has a degree in Christian Ministry and is the author of Acquiring the Benefits of Biblical Wisdom, available in e-book format on Amazon.com. He and his wife reside in Texas.

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