What Matters?

I surprised a friend the other day when filling her in that I will not be cooking at all for Thanksgiving this year. I won't be hosting. I won't be bringing a car load of food to a friend's. This year, my family decided to take advantage of the kids' school breaks and take a vacation. Just the "four family." No one to visit. No commitments. Just 6 days of free time do what we please.

Once we made the decision, I often wondered if we'd miss "it" - the homemade meal, the company, the traditions we're trying to create for our kids. Thanksgiving will probably feel like any other vacation day - having a break from our routine, actually enjoying our meals - all 3 of them, and, cliche as it sounds, having time to smell the roses, if we choose. No, we won't have the added bonus to catch up with family. We've made arrangements to see them over the next couple of months, if not already. What we will have is 6 days of undivided time together - no phones, no competing commitments, no chores. At the end of the day, isn't this what holiday is all about - making the time for each other?

Turkey or tofu, I wish you and your family a memorable Thanksgiving.