Like most of the country, our family overate on Thanksgiving. We always go to Emily’s grandparents house in a small town outside the city. But before the actual feed, we have a tradition. We usually start checking in early on Thanksgiving morning as soon as we get up. Emily’s grandmother typically gets up at dawn’s crack and does the magic that she does to get everything ready. By the time we wake, the turkey is sure to be well along in the oven. We always call and ask how things are looking at their place.

“Smells like things are getting along pretty well.” We check in a few times in the morning to make sure everything is under control. Of course, she’s been cooking for 70 or so years but I want to make sure she doesn’t need my expert advice! We try to get the kids to dress in some Thanksgiving-appropriate attire. Typically the kids dress as Native Americans. We couldn’t talk Isaac into it this year. Abigail wanted to be a pilgrim so Emily’s mom sewed her a pilgrim hat. I wanted to give her a blunderbuss to carry but Emily nixed that idea sighting the fact that my shotguns were all far too long for Abigail to carry. Darn practicality!

Anyhow, we headed to their place around 11:30 or so and start to nibble…and by nibble I mean I eat as much as I can sneak away with in my pockets. So, I nibble a turkey leg or a pumpkin pie waiting for everything to get finished up. Eighteen of us gathered for a huge feed and subsequent nap this year. Most of us were able to eat our meal and get away from the table before falling into the tryptophan-trance. We did lose a few in their mashed potatoes this year though. I guess we eat for an hour and a half. There must be a little hobbit in our family though as we always eat a second lunch as well.

Some of us took a walk around the neighborhood this year as we always do. Emily’s Mom and Dad grew up a few blocks from each other and have known each other since before they were in school. We walked through their old stomping grounds and had a great chance to chat and reminisce. I bounce a little as I walk to ensure that my food gets packed in pretty well so I can hit the dessert table again. Unfortunately, Emily had to carry me part way home from our walk this year. Too much nibbling I guess!

After dessert, we played a few games of Tripoli and Uno and goofed around with the kids. The kids enjoy playing on the playground of the elementary school next door. We continued to eating and playing until first supper sometime around 6. The dark is our cue to start to pack up and head home as we sober up from our turkey-induced hang-overs.

I think Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays (Groundhog day is right up there too…more on that another day). It is pretty low-key (easy for me to say since I just show up and eat) and is all about hanging out with family and having fun. It is still a simple holiday and an absolute joy!