Thanksgivings Past

Do you have a tradition for Thanksgiving Day? Something that you do every year without fail. Something that brings happy memories or warms your heart simply to think about it? I think everyone has these traditions, no matter how big or small there is most likely something you do on Thanksgiving each year that makes you happy.

My favorite tradition is not one we will be able to do this year, and we weren't able to do the last couple years either.

Our Thanksgiving tradition, one I truly miss, is opening our home to the soldiers on or around our military post.

My husband served eight years active duty and is now in his second year of service in the Army National Guard. For years we have opened our home on Thanksgiving Day to any of the soldiers who weren't going home or did not have a place to go for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a special time when family and friends gather to give thanks and I simply cannot bear the thought of any soldier, a person who is fighting for our country, to be alone on this day. I am grateful to my military family for everything they do for us and giving them friends and family and good food for Thanksgiving is our way of giving thanks.

Sadly, where we live has limited us from doing this the past couple of years. When we move to a more populated area we will probably resume our Thanksgiving tradition, but until then it pains me not to be able to do it.

I remember the first Thanksgiving we had the soldiers over to our house. It was our first Thanksgiving in the military. After we had dinner and everyone had gone home I remember thinking 'Even if we never see these guys again, they are always going to remember this and so will I.'

Having the soldiers over to share a meal and spend the day has always given me something to look forward to. I can't wait until we are able to resume our little tradition. I hope that somewhere, the soldiers who have spent Thanksgiving with us in the past, will look back on those special days with fond memories like the ones I have.

What are your most memorable traditions?

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone! Eat lots, watch football, drink egg nog, and have fun creating memorable moments!