As a child, Thanksgiving was one of my most anticipated holidays. In preparation, my sister and I would break out my mom's good china and crystal, polish the silver and set the tables with festive fall place settings. We'd make our traditional strawberry whipped cream mold and sneak a bite of the delectable turkey fixings as my mom basted the bird every hour.
After baking sweet potato pie, you could find my dad in his big leather chair watching football'scotch in one hand and the remote control in the other'dressed in his classic polo and sweater combination and greeting people with his joyous smile.
The house smelled like sweet caramelized onions and pumpkin spice.
I remember our guest list of over 20 people consisted of mostly family, but many were my parents' friends who didn't have any loved ones with whom to share the holiday.
When I went off to college in another state and couldn't fly home for Thanksgiving break, my friends' families opened up their homes to me. They were warm and inviting and made me feel like family. In retrospect, these remembrances imparted to me the true meaning of Thanksgiving'tradition, gratitude and generosity.
While eating comfort foods, watching football and hanging out with family are cherished traditions for many, why not spice it up and get innovative this Thanksgiving? Put a modern twist on classic recipes; zest up the dinner table with crafty details and show gratitude by reaching out to those in need.
Arts and crafts are a creative way to express gratitude and they are especially enjoyable when all the guests are involved.
Claire Wilburn, from Seattle, shared her crafty and inspiring Thanksgiving tradition. She uses white butcher paper as a tablecloth and sets up jars of crayons all around. Guests are encouraged to write what they are thankful for, and make it as fun and personal as they wish.
Claire explains, "The following year, we hang it up for decoration and to remember what we were grateful for the past year. The activity is fun for both kids and grownups!GÇ¥
Sultan residents Tanya and Ryan Sergeant show their gratitude by giving a special toast before dinner, but not without feeling a little emotional. Tanya states, "The dinner table is always set for a feast and we sit down and give thanks. We both get all choked up. We're just a bunch of saps.GÇ¥
This year, try involving all your guests in the toast! First, decorate a Mason jar or basket with festive embellishments. Ask guests to write down a Thanksgiving toast, a meaningful sentiment or a fond memory, and place it in the jar. Then, at the dinner table, pass the jar around and take turns reading the toasts.
Make someone's holiday special with homemade thank you cards! Whether it's for soldiers, the elderly or family and friends, the cards represent a personal and artistic way to teach kids the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Add special quotes inside, write a poem or paint or draw something meaningful. Regardless, there is nothing better than a homemade card to say, "Thank You.GÇ¥
If you'd like to write a thank you card to a soldier, visit the following sites or contact your local government agency. - http://www.operationgratitude.com/get-involved/write-letters/
- http://www.military.com/spouse/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html
- http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm.
Reaching out is what Thanksgiving is all about. Whether it's purchasing food packs at your local grocery stores and donating to food banks and shelters, or a simple gesture of inviting friends over that may not have Thanksgiving plans, it's the thought and then the action that counts. Below is a list of local places where you can donate this holiday season.
The Sultan Harvest is hosting a free community dinner on Thanksgiving Day at the Sultan High School commons from noon to 4 p.m. If you are interesting in volunteering, call Sky Valley Volunteers of America at 360-793-2400.
If you would like to donate food or this Thanksgiving, or any time, visit the Sky Valley Food Bank in Monroe or contact them at (360) 794-7959.In Sultan, call the Sultan food Bank at (360) 793-2400.
To help the homeless orvolunteer at homeless shelters, contact Take the Next Step at (360) 794-1022.
Emerald City Athletic Club is having their annual food drive in connection with the Sky Valley Food Bank. If you are a member, get the details on how you can help at the front desk or call 360) 794-9988.
Purchase food packs at the grocery store to donate to local families in need.
Football is a timeless Thanksgiving tradition. This year, our champion Seahawks are playing the San Francisco 49ers at 5:30 p.m. Create a Seahawk theme and incorporate it into the day's festivities. Use Seahawk colors and icons to garnish the table and make specialty cocktails and desserts that reflect team spirit.
Show your football spirit and create this colorful and festive 12th Man wreath for Thanksgiving Day. - Choose any blue and green or Seahawk-inspired ribbons.
- Tie ribbons onto a round wire(hangers, chicken wire, or any craft store will have craft wire).
- Layer them on, until you get the desired thickness and girth
- Finish by adding blue, green or silver glitter spray to make it sparkle, or tie on a few extra Seahawk trimmings to make it pop.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Cheers!
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