Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner!

And even though my menu is planned, the groceries have been purchased, and all systems seem to be “go,” there’s still one issue looming that has yet to be dealt with prior to this gratitude-filled (not to mention, food shoveling) holiday…and it has everything to do with little, old me.

Making Memories with Mom: A Thanksgiving Tradition

You see, while every other member of my sweet family is busy enjoying time together, this holiday usually finds me trapped in the kitchen, slaving over a bird, his giblets, and all of those other fixin’s included in our annual feast. For this mama (points finger at self), there seems to be no rest, and certainly no time to play either. It’s “all business” in my home as I try and craft a delicious supper for my guys to enjoy and remember…but end up finding the food devoured in mere moments, as I’m left staring at the large mess this meal created instead.

Newsflash: I don’t want to devote the entirety of my day to cooking while missing out on the precious family time that’s to be had. Rather I want to share in the fun and games, create lasting memories that don’t have anything to do with food, and rid myself of the Type-A busy-work that leaves me feeling left out, and selfishly thinking:

“What about me?”

So, I’ve decided that this year, it’s going to be different. Yep. This Thanksgiving, this apron-clad mama is going to “stir” things up a bit and start some new traditions of my own…traditions that will take me out of that kitchen (well, for the most part anyways), and smack dab in the middle of my living room, enjoying my family, and the time God gave us together.

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

This Thanksgiving holiday, I’m choosing to be Mary, not Martha by opting to do one (if not all) of the following with my boys:

  1. Watch the Thanksgiving parade (for once).
  2. Compete in a family football game in the backyard.
  3. Partake in a Wii tournament (Can you say, “Just Dance?”).
  4. Indulge in a board game (or two…or three).
  5. Prepare a holiday craft (think Pilgrim hats here).
  6. Watch an inspirational family movie.
  7. Compile a list of all we are thankful for (to be shared at dinner).
  8. Laugh. A. Lot…and enjoy every moment.

Aren’t all memories like these what Thanksgiving is all about anyways? Taking the time to be with one another, enjoying our blessings, and giving thanks and praise for our lives (and the people in them)? So, go on girls: minimize your holiday menu’s, enlist the help of those little (and big) men you’ve got running around, and prepare the majority (if not all) of your meal the night before so that you can join in on the holiday fun with your family once again. Hey, if this “Martha” mom can do it, then by all means, you can too.

As for this Thanksgiving holiday? It’s me against that dang bird and I have a feeling that this year, I just might win!

What about you? What traditions does your family partake in on Thanksgiving Day?