So, what’s your opinion about holidays? For ’em or agin ’em? Most holidays are more than just a day off from work… at least for those who don’t have to work holidays. When it’s a Christian holiday (my definition) then there really aren’t that many: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. And yes… there are a great many other holidays, but these 3, especially, spell f-a-m-i-l-y, at least in my world.
For a moment, look at Holidays from my perspective, my definitions. Admittedly, it is quite ‘old fashion’ – no apologies. First… holidays meant family. Probably should be second though. Second… holidays meant church, the avenue to praise the Lord for His hand of provision and protection. And third… holidays meant FOOD. My Mom was the world’s greatest cook and she really shined during holidays. (You may argue that your Mom, Dad was the greatest cook – go for it. I just know mine was.)
Holidays meant laughter and the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen. When it was Thanksgiving, it was a kinda dual activity with both Mom and Dad being involved, though Dad’s activity was carving the turkey he never could resist cutting ever so slightly a bit of the bird ‘to test it out’. Ya right. Mom would always make a mild comment about the cut letting all the juices out. It seemed to be a game they always played.
I can’t even begin to talk about all the food she prepared from the homemade rolls to the apple or pumpkin or pecan (or all) desserts. And it wasn’t just our family, the extended family was included which meant both Mom and Dad’s Moms and my Uncle. As I look back I think I liked the times when I was much younger and we had no TV so Mom wouldn’t have to try and time dinner to the halftime.
As I said… we talked, we laughed and we ate!
Christmas was even more grand. Same people, same cook. The meat dish would never be ham – that was for Easter. It wasn’t chicken either – we had that or a roast on some Sundays. Sometimes it was a turkey again – but no one complained. In later years it often was a Prime Rib – and my mouth is watering so I best move on quickly.
But in both of these holidays the salad and/or veg was typically brought by my Grandmothers. I still remember the cut up cranberries with small marshmallows and small pieces of walnut and celery with the lightest of dressings. My grand also made a … I think it’s called a Waldorf salad which was excellent too. Once in awhile one or other of the grands would try out a new recipe on us.
Yes… holidays are more than just eating. But it’s what goes on around the table as we eat. Ultimately, for me, holidays are all about having the opportunity to engage in relationship building. In this case, relationships are expressed in the holiday words and actions. All good memories. What I wouldn’t give for just one holiday with yesterday blended with today. With those who have gone home to be with the Lord with those who are just beginning their journey. That will happen one day at the sound of the trumpet.
It’s 2024 and we’re heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope it is filled with laughter and joy, peace and hope for you. I realize that my reminiscing was rather heavy on the food end, but it inextricably tied to people and relationships.
And all that begins in our relationship with the Lord. It is our gratefulness for the Lord’s hand of mercy and grace extended to us. It is the peace and joy of knowing Jesus will return… and soon and take His bride, the church, back with Him. It’s the smile of welcome from a friend, the giggle from a child watching the expressions of love. And that begins the litany. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord – you can. And even if you’re alone during the holidays, they can be filled with all the wonder of your salvation and the strength you receive to keep on going and touching lives with His love. Yes… we do have a great deal to be thankful for that the holidays remind us of… as long as our eyes don’t stay on our condition, ourselves.
