I think I am still full from the Thanksgiving feast last night which we enjoyed with my parents and siblings. Thanksgiving has long been an important holiday in our family. We celebrate the freedoms of living Jewishly in America and take time to appreciate each other as a family. As a kid, my parents would drive us each year from Boston to New York to celebrate with our Grandparents. Extended uncles, aunts, and cousins would gather together to reconnect. And then we would stay for a quieter Shabbat. Though the drive could be long due to traffic, we looked forward to it every year. There were certain "characters" that you looked forward to seeing, as well as annual rituals and jokes that never got old.
As adults we now gather at my parents home. When we lived in Florida and then Texas we often could not make it for Thanksgiving. But now that we live in the same town as my parents and brother it is a relaxing weekend, sans travel, of being with family, raking leaves, and reading good books. We are so grateful to live near family finally and are excited to see family members who come in for the weekend.
For many years Thanksgiving involved little babies and children. Now, the youngest grandchildren, our twins, are in High School. In fact, we are in the 1st few years of the stage where these grandchildren are getting married, so slowly but surely our family, bli ayain harah, is growing even bigger.
My parents always get a sentimental look over their faces at some point in the meal, enjoying having everyone together. The way my mother puts it is "my chickens are all under one roof." We video chat with anyone who is not able to make it in person that year. This year, Baruch Hashem, my parents have two grandchildren who have made Aliyah and are living in Israel!
The food is delicious, though I hope you will not lose respect for me if I admit that I am not a fan of Turkey. I enjoy the meat soup, the hot dogs in a blanket, the brisket, the sweet potato pie (a Grandma Levitt special that we carry on), the stuffing, and the many pies for dessert. We go around and share things we are grateful for. We take turns watching football in the den while we digest. Now that the grandkids are grown it is so fun to schmooze with them and catch up.
But the most important ritual we have is the Thanksgiving Tablecloth. Going on about 20 or so years now, this tradition is something to which we all look forward. We each take a different color permanent marker and write something on the tablecloth. We write our name and the year as well. It can be something for which we are thankful, something funny, or a family update. After Thanksgiving my mother-in-law or sister-in-law embroider over the ink so that it lasts forever.
I think we are just about to complete our 2nd tablecloth and might have to start a 3rd next year. It is fascinating to look over some of the entries from the past. You can see traces of hands and feet, funny quotes, birth updates, political opinions, sports celebrations, jokes, and so much more. You can see the life of a family over time. And we enjoy reading old entries and reminiscing about the past. Our kids can not only read what their Great Grandparents wrote before they died, but even trace their hands over their handwriting. This year our daughter in Israel asked us to find the spot where she had written a few years ago "Where I Am This Year: Junior Year Stern College. Thinking Of Doing Graphic Design In Israel." And to add "Did It 2021!" My entry this year, to mark this moment in our family history, was short and sweet: "Baruch Hashem for Vaccines - 2021." Last year we were able to be together outdoors, in socially distant pods. But this year we are all vaccinated and were able to be together inside again.
It is important for families to have traditions and rituals, to share stories and repeat old jokes. To show the younger generation that we can overcome all challenges by sticking together, and that they should never take each other for granted. I am grateful to be part of such a loving family and excited to see how our story continues.
You could take away the football, the hot dogs in a blanket, the multicolored leaves, and it would still be Thanksgiving. But it just wouldn't feel the same without the Thanksgiving Tablecloth. It's what brings us together as a family and it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving
