Family Tree Girl

Thanksgiving is near and I often think of how did my ancestors celebrate this holiday. Those from Africa, those from England, and other places. Did any traditions come with them? My immediate families are in various states and I miss them all dearly. There are some that I do not know or never met due to the distances between us. But, I love those on social media. I can keep up with my adult children from Florida to Japan. I love looking at my first cousins in Michigan sharing photos of their grandchildren. This gives me a chance to connect and also share my genealogical research to those interested. I wonder if they celebrate as I know it? My mom set our traditions and of course and I continue to honor them. Mom would of set forth what she had experienced in her childhood and my children will do the same. Holiday traditions do get handed down generation by generation. We have the usual, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and either a turkey or tofu loaf as in my case. Well this year I am changing it up with a lentil loaf, with a side dish of brussel sprouts hanging with sweet potatoes and cranberries. Oh let me not forget to mention the four different kinds of pies. What are you having this year…are you changing it up a bit?

My best wish for all is to enjoy the time they will have with their family and friends this holiday season. Not all will enjoy as well as others will. Enjoy a couple of  family photos! One is from 1957 and I am five years old and the next photo is with my children and one of my older brothers in 2016.