Traditions are a part of our lives. A couple of days ago, I asked for your traditions. Here are the two responses I received.

From Tim Hill:
We don't really have anything we do any more. I remember when I was growing up going rabbit or quail hunting with my brother Dick a few times. I was usually the bird dog. I only actually carried a gun one time and missed the only rabbit I got a shot at. I still like watching the parade and the football games, if I can keep my eyes open after eating all that food.

From Lew Rainey:
when i was younger it was a tradition to go rabbit hunting on thanksgiving day as it was always the first day of hunting season.

Well, as I laugh at these, I realize that just as the first pilgrims that celebrated all they had by giving thanks, we still hunt and gather our food. Most of it is done for us and we just prepare it, but it is still the same concept.

As we prepare for the holiday of thanks, here is a reminder of what it is about:

Thanksgiving Day in the United States started as a way of giving thanks to food collected from a good harvest or problems that were fixed. It originated in 1621 and was a religious festival, but is now largely secular. It is now a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November.

So give thanks for everything this weekend. Family, friends, health, food, shelter, and all the blessing that God has bestowed upon you.

Psalms 128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Doxology - Thomas Ken, 1674

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Thanksgiving Traditions

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? At the Fox house we don't have too many. We are usually busy cleaning, cooking and baking because 20 people will be showing up soon and expecting food! But one thing that the kids always talk about is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We do sit and watch it. All the big balloons and the dance numbers are just thrilling for us. I can cut celery and onions while watching the parade.

This also marks the time the kids will start making their Christmas lists. Timm keeps telling me what he would like. Which is very nice, but I will never remember it all. If they write it down, then at least I have it on a piece of paper and read it before I lose it!

Every year, I think of things that will be fun to do at Thanksgiving. One year my father gave us a kernel of dried corn and we had to tell something we are thankful for. Two year, my kids had to write a story for school about Thanksgiving. I read them to everyone. It was quite funny both times. I guess our main traditions is Mike cooking the turkey and that we all get together.

One of my favorite traditions is watching the Detroit Lions football team play. They have hosted a football game every year since 1934. I just read about that. I know, that is a strange fact, but there is one you can impress your husband or friends with.

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Is there a special something you do or share? Let me know. I want to get a list and share them on Wednesday.

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."
- Theodore Roosevelt