I knew our holiday was going to be special when my oldest told me in August he was looking forward to Thanksgiving.
Even though our kids are 34 and 31, our family has only been creating OUR Thanksgiving traditions since 2015. My dad passed from this life to the next in 2015, and while he was here, my boys never knew Thanksgiving anywhere but Granddaddy’s house. Come to think of it – neither had I! There had been traditions there, for sure – like my mom’s cornbread dressing – made from scratch – and how I wish I would have written down her recipe!
Now, I order a fresh turkey from a local market/butcher. It does cost more, but we can tell the difference, PLUS, it’s an experience just picking it up! My oldest son joined me the first time – so now, it’s tradition that he always goes with me!
The market is on a pie-shaped lot at a busy intersection. Store employees are in the parking lot moving vehicles in and out, as traffic backs up on the adjacent boulevard. Once inside, they blocked aisles and arranged the store in cattle pens, because the line to the butcher counter is so long. You must have ordered your turkey in advance, to partake of this experience!
As you progress through the first two aisles, they have taped up funny Thanksgiving themed cartoons to keep you entertained during the wait. It’s also a good time to visit with those in line with you.
Eventually you get to a small table where you give your name, and a paper with your pre-ordered items is printed. You then continue to wind your way down the aisles, and finally get to the refrigerated section where you can select the side dishes and pies you may have ordered – then comes the butcher counter – Yay!
Several are working the counter – hand them your order – they go get a turkey the size you wanted, weigh it, put the sticker on it and then you wait to pay. Once out of the shop, there are more employees to help get you out of the parking lot and on your way 🙂 Some may say this sounds like a hassle to get a turkey, but when my son is looking forward to doing it with me, it’s a joy!
This year marks the second time we’ve finished the turkey run with lunch at Dewey’s Pizza.
Chris had discovered it a few years back and wanted to go after the 2017 turkey affair, but circumstances prevented it, so we went in 2018. Of course, with us, if you do something special, it becomes tradition, so he and I enjoyed a great lunch.
What traditions do you have? I’d love to hear about it!
Thanks for sharing a new tradition with us. It is wonderful how some of the simplest things can become life-affirming traditions. Making memories is such a special treat. I love that you’re picking up the torch and creating your own awesome family culture … I’m sure your dad would agree … Love to you all!!!
I believe he would! Thanks for stopping by!