I don’t know about y’all, but I feel like the stores have already skipped Thanksgiving! This is one of my favorite holidays, and I can’t dare rush past the one day that I get to squeeze into the kitchen with so many family and friends as we’re happily overwhelmed with the best smells and tastes of the season. Thanksgiving is the time to put those diets to the side and enjoy delicious food with amazing people. Now that is something for which we can all give thanks.
Our family’s dinner will have an empty seat this year. My grandmother recently passed; she was 98. I’m already missing her presence, but she would want me to continue to live with purpose, intentionality, and gratitude. I’m thankful for my joy, my squad and the countless memories I have been able to capture with my camera this year. I can’t wait to catch up with everyone and dig in to some family favorites. We’ve got some other Thanksgiving traditions that I’d like to share, too.
Pose for the Camera
Bring your best camera, pick a theme, or choose a color. Large family gatherings like Thanksgiving are a wonderful opportunity to capture a big family photo in a more structured way but also candidly. You can ask your family members to wear a certain color or outfit, such as jeans and a black shirt, or you can do a more playful theme and bring props. It’s amazing how a year can make a difference. Don’t miss the chance to protect these memories.
Pass it On
Is it time to teach someone else how to make that amazing macaroni and cheese or sweet potato pie? Who will be the next person to hold the secret recipe? Thanksgiving is a great time to teach the next generation. A good meal is so much more than nutrition. When it’s accompanied by love, warmth and care, a good meal leads to family. If the recipe is all in your head, write it down and keep it somewhere safe. You can also start small — maybe just share the recipe for your family’s favorite dessert.
Play it Off
After the meal comes even more fun! Create a list of games and activities that everyone can enjoy. Maybe it’s a game of spades or trivia between the women and the men. The guys may even watch the football game. Do your best to create other activities after the meal that will keep people engaged.
Happy Thanksgiving!
