the real Thanksgiving around here

So many folks thought I had written the previous post . . . seriously? Is my inner domestic tyrant really that obvious to others? I actually do host Thanksgiving, but I'd like to think I'm nicer and more diplomatic!

Our first year of marriage, we at three Thanksgiving dinners--in one day! After that, I decided that we were going to host Thanksgiving and invite both of our families. It's worked out really well and we've done it for five years going on six since. Our first year was in our Mount Olive house way out in the country. We ate outside amongst the leaves on long table cobbled together from other tables and scattered with gourds, pumpkins and leaves. That was one of my most favorite Thanksgivings, ever!

Now, we all celebrate out here. Folks trickle in on Wednesday night and we share supper, breakfast and Thanksgiving dinner. As much time as possible is spent around the fire or out fishing. On Thursday morning, the guys gather 'round the deep fryer and cook a couple of turkeys and whatever else is thrown in the oil. It's fun. It is by no means a Martha Stewart kind of affair, but we have a good time.

I was telling a friend about this and she asked if everyone got along. It never occurred to me that we wouldn't! Growing up, I was blessed with such a good example of how families should be. Both of my parents got along just fine with their in-laws and we spent lots of time with both sides and often they merged on Christmas Eve or whatnot. Tuan and I have been extremely blessed to have good relationships with each other's parents. I love my in-laws as much as my own family, as does Tuan.

In retrospect, it is funny that we host this gathering, but as it has fallen over the years, this has been a practical solution. This year, my paternal grandmother, a paternal cousin, my parents, brother, sister's family, mother's sister and husband, mother's brother and Tuan's parents are all coming. I'm so excited!

Hope your Thanksgiving is lovely and fun!