Thanksgiving song

Coaching for Life Success - Getting ready for Thanksgiving

https://www.marthastewart.com/1502352/thanksgiving 

My brain has snippets of the old Thanksgiving song we learned as children.  So, I found it on the internet (what did we do for song lyrics and trivia answers before the internet?)

Over the river and through the woods,

To grandmother's* house we go;

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh,

Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!

Over the river and thru the woods,

Oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose,

As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the wood,

To have a first-rate play;

Oh, hear the bell ring, "Ting-a-ling-ling!"

Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!

Over the river and thru the woods,

Trot fast my dapple gray!

Spring over the ground like a hunting hound,

For this is Thanksgiving Day! 

Over the river and through the woods,

And straight through the barnyard gate.

We seem to go extremely slow, 

It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the woods,

Now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

While my grandparents are long gone, and I’m a grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren (who are all six years old for three more months), it is still good to have traditions.  I am already thinking of turkey (white meat please), mashed potatoes (hmmm - how long has it been since I had real mashed potatoes - or really potatoes other than French Fries?), and Green-Bean-Casserole (with French Fried onion rings on top).  Over the years, I’ve even learned to (first) tolerate and (later) like pumpkin pie.  And, sweet potatoes and cranberries as well.  And then, fall asleep in the living room during a football game.

That is my/our traditions. But, different families and different cultures do things in different ways.  Some might also have oysters, others pasta.  

Our society is also changing.  I’m not sure I knew any vegans or vegetarians growing up, but now I know plenty.  Bread?  But what about those with the gluten allergies?  Are you using milk to make your mashed potatoes creamy?  But, Aunt Connie is lactose intolerant.  Are the various items organic?  What did the cooks use for pans?  Was it copper free (or is that the other way around)?  

We, in America, are becoming diverse.  Should we have tamales in Texas for Thanksgiving?  Curry seasoning? Rice?  

In spite of differences, make we should focus on the day - a day to give Thanks.  And, even that day, we can give Thanks to God - however we think of Him or Her (or to no god at all).  It is good to take a day off, with family, friends, great food, great traditions, and reflect on what is good - and give thanks for that!!

What about you?

Karen