Thanksgiving 2020 was a bit unusual. We usually go somewhere else for holiday meals. My parents’ house, or my sister’s house. Or we trek farther afield to my husband’s parents’ place. We bring a pie or two and maybe some rolls, and at least one Chinese dish (for the Chinese parts of our family). But we’re not usually responsible for the whole meal.
This year, for our family, as for many families, things were different. We stayed at home, and had no guests. We cooked everything ourselves, which we haven’t needed to do in years. But there was still more than enough to eat. Craig cooked the turkey and the cranberry sauce. K and I did rolls and pie. B handled the mashed potatoes and gravy. And J fried up the Chinese green beans and pork.
It was delicious–and also fun to work together. A nice interlude in a press of busy days. A bit of human interaction in a life that’s increasingly online. Sometimes it is good to change things up and take stock of our lives.
It’s also good to give thanks. I am so thankful for my kids. And Craig. And for far-flung family that I haven’t been able to see, but am yet close to. I’m thankful for encouraging people in my life–at church, in my family, in my critique group, and yes, even on social media. I’m thankful for good health for my family and for the recovery of some of the people I know who have been sick (though some are still in the thick of it). I am thankful that I’ve had the chance to publish some books this year, and I’m thankful for other meaningful work as well (and praying for those who have lost jobs). I am thankful for a beautiful home where we can safely shelter and get on each others’ nerves.
Thanksgiving 2020 was a different holiday toward the close of a difficult year, but I am indeed thankful.