Sarah's additions of leaves, twigs, and seed pods made this look quite festive.
Traditions are part of what makes a family a family. Having things you 'always do' gives a sense of covenantal context, in the greater view of the family of God, your forefathers, your immediate family, and the generations to come.
We have several Thanksgiving traditions which we've done for many years: reading pilgrim stories aloud several weeks leading up to Thanksgiving day, making particular dishes, and placing 5 kernels of corn on each of the children's plates. Other traditions are newer to the Serven Clan: creating a Thanksgiving play or movie for the family, going on a walk right after dinner, and singing hymns and psalms in the evening.
Our normal hutch-top decorations supplemented with fall things.
This year, Sarah and I were realizing that we usually don't put up Thanksgiving decorations around our home, except for a few items a couple days previous to Thanksgiving. This year, especially as we were home to witness the glorious color change, we decided to extend our Thanksgiving decorations and place them around our home earlier in the season.
Sarah went out into the woods and scrounged up some fallish things: leaves, acorns, twigs, berries, and seed-pods. We already had some winter squashes and pumpkins that Mom had picked up, so we incorporated them all into our normal decorations. We thought the effect charming. : )
Finding some orange candles made this more "Thanksgivingish".
If you don't live near a convenient woods, you can also find inexpensive fall decorations. Go to a nearby park or a friends yard, and look for leaves, twigs, or acorns. You can purchase several candles from Wally-world for a dollar or two. Scrounge your pantry for pretty squashes to wash and place out for decoration. A farmer's market will have gourds, dried colored corn, and pumpkins that will last for many years.
You can find a yard of fabric at the aforementioned store for $1-$2, and either hem or fray the edges to make a festive center for your table. Use old canning jars for vases or as a container for a small candle to shine through. A little raffia goes a long way in making things look fallish.
Lighting the way home.
One special night we placed candles in glass jars lining the walk way. We tied a bit of twine around the top of each jar, just for fun. A string of white lights around the door frame makes the entrance more celebratory. I made the wreath for only a few dollars from Michael's: grapevine wreath, raffia, and berry 'picks'. I didn't glue it on purpose, so we can change it with each season.
We are on the lookout for new Thanksgiving Traditions. What are some of your family's? Certain dishes you cook, things you do, books you read, places you go, and more. Please share in the comments!
