With no presents to open under the tree and no easter eggs to hunt in the yard — Thanksgiving should be a time to just sit around and share.
Should is the operative word.
The reality is that if we don't consciously make time in our holiday schedule for engaging conversation, it won't happen.
We'll spend the day bustling around with a dish cloth in our hand or an eye glued to the "game" on T.V. and poof!, this expectation-free holiday has come and gone, and we're falling into bed — exhausted.
This holiday season, let's take a cue from the French and learn to linger longer.
No need to jump up right away and begin the marathon dish-washing session while slower-eating family members are still mingling bits of cranberry sauce with turkey and dressing.
Put on the tea kettle, instead.
This is the perfect time to ask questions of older relatives about Thanksgiving memories from childhood - what they ate, where they ate it, and who was there. What games did they play while the adults prepared the feast? Who cut the turkey? Did someone say the blessing?
These questions will surely lead to forgotten stories and anecdotes of holidays long-past.
In the end, you'll find out something new about the people in your life. And your kids will learn to appreciate the family history that goes along with turkey and dressing.
But most importantly, you'll bring a smile, a few laughs, and a sense of honor and appreciation to the ones you love most.
Should is the operative word.
The reality is that if we don't consciously make time in our holiday schedule for engaging conversation, it won't happen.
We'll spend the day bustling around with a dish cloth in our hand or an eye glued to the "game" on T.V. and poof!, this expectation-free holiday has come and gone, and we're falling into bed — exhausted.
This holiday season, let's take a cue from the French and learn to linger longer.
No need to jump up right away and begin the marathon dish-washing session while slower-eating family members are still mingling bits of cranberry sauce with turkey and dressing.
Put on the tea kettle, instead.
This is the perfect time to ask questions of older relatives about Thanksgiving memories from childhood - what they ate, where they ate it, and who was there. What games did they play while the adults prepared the feast? Who cut the turkey? Did someone say the blessing?
These questions will surely lead to forgotten stories and anecdotes of holidays long-past.
In the end, you'll find out something new about the people in your life. And your kids will learn to appreciate the family history that goes along with turkey and dressing.
But most importantly, you'll bring a smile, a few laughs, and a sense of honor and appreciation to the ones you love most.
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