I remember learning this song in grade school. I wonder if they still teach it. It always excited me because I knew before long we would be gathered around my Grandma’s table out at the farm with a bounty of wonderful food. My favorite was her pumpkin pie. She grew her own pumpkins and made the filling from scratch. She always complained that she couldn’t make a pie crust that was fit to eat but it seemed those pies were always gone in a flash!

This year, I am taking my brother Gary and heading to Denver in the ol’ 4WD sleigh. The weather forecast calls for clear skies with the highs in the 50’s so the drive should be just fine. We are all gathering at my son-in-law’s parent’s house and I’m guessing there will be a couple dozen of us. I am thinking of the grandchildren. We are making memories for them that they will carry on into their own adult lives and will hopefully pass on to their families someday. That gives me such a warm, fuzzy feeling. We must make it an epic holiday for our little ones. While we are often busy catching up with the adults that we perhaps haven’t seen for quite awhile, we have to make an effort to get down to the kids’ level and do something really fun with them. Let them help with dinner, set the table, make place cards or table decorations, carry things to the table, stir a pot…anything that makes them feel included and a part of things.

This year, Hanukkah starts on Thanksgiving night. I don’t remember that happening in the past but, then again, I didn’t Google it either. We celebrate Hanukkah because my ex is Jewish and we celebrated all the Jewish holidays in our house. This has carried on in a wonderful tradition of blended family gatherings and this year will be no exception. I bought a few little gifts to share with the children and grands as well as something for Gary so he doesn’t feel left out.

If you are traveling, please travel safely! Hug your loved ones close and cherish the moments!