It was not our usual thanksgiving. We didn’t gather into one family members house with a set table, let the kids play and all the adults converse, reminisce, laugh. It was defined and shaped differently this year. The pandemic overshadowed this holiday in such a way it makes gray clouds seem welcomed and not so menacing.
The weather was lovely. The house was a mess (as usual). There was no turkey (by choice). There was however, a moment while dinner was still in the oven and on the stove that I cleared and cleaned our dining table and set it simply with silver chargers, small tall white wine stemware (for all) and two battery operated tea lights in glasses. Our littlest became excited and sat up in the booth (built-in corner booth seating) just to look at the space. She picked up her charger and started looking at herself in it.
Shortly thereafter, Boeuf Bourguignon with mash potatoes was on the table. Our drink of choice was a sparkling elderflower and pomegranate drink. Our littlest posed the question to each of us: what were we thankful for? Her brother said he was thankful for food. Their dad said the same. She said she was thankful for family. When the question was posed to me, I paused. I was thankful for so much. Family, friends, food, the dishwasher to name a few.
I spent a little time preparing a dessert (out of a convenient box – hahaha) because it was our Thanksgiving and sometimes desserts need to be “special”. After broiling the sugar on top of our Crème Brulée, dressed with berries and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, the kids gave it a try while we ate ours. Little wonder had no more room after eating her dinner and stopped after a couple bites. Big wonder wasn’t a fan of the way the sugar was caramelized and hard on top when he put a spoon to it. So, he skipped it.
In retrospect of our holiday sans extended family gathered, it was nice. I woke up this morning thankful for so much more. This pandemic has overshadowed and cancelled so much in society (not without frustration). But it also shone light on all that is normally taken for granted. It is drawing us closer as a family as we spend everyday together which we are immensely humble to have this time together. We miss our gatherings with other family members and friends that are far and those that are close but we are still grateful for them.
Despite all that may come or go with COVID in the coming months, I think adapting and being flexible will be the attributes that we exercise most. These characteristics and patience. All, good traits for our kids to develop and for us to fine tune. We know our patience will be tested but laughter will always ensue.