I come from a large family, on my father's side. He was one of 10 children and each of his brothers/sisters had at least 3 children. Also, my grandmother was very involved with her/our church and would invite anyone (church members and neighbors) who would be alone (or she knew were not doing well financially) for the holidays as well as any priests/staff from the church. One time a grocery clerk from the store she like to shop at came (she invited when she found out he would be alone). 

So, typically, there were 100-120 people attending holiday meals (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) and as many as 160 one year. It was AWESOME. The tables of food! Usually 1 of meats, 2 for sides, 1 for appetizers and bread and 1 for desserts.

My grandmother had an old cast iron stove/oven that used to be a wood stove that my grandfather converted to gas. It was a quad oven that had 8 large burners. It was moved from house to house as they moved over the years. It had to weigh a ton at least! Seriously, the way that thing roasted meat! NOTHING has ever compared. She cooked all the meats, pies (oh her crust) and breads (always home-made) and other family brought sides of all variety. Guests were never asked to bring anything but themselves, sometimes they did though. 

The memories of those large holidays are wonderful. 

Happy  Thanksgiving!!!

My family tradition was to put up the tree the day after Thanksgiving. Dad put on the lights and he and Mom put on the garland. Then we all helped decorate. Everything from standard balls and bells to clothespin soldiers and small animals to elves and angels. It was an honor to be allowed to hang the beautiful, handpainted, fragile ornaments from Mom and Dad's first Christmas tree. Mom arranged the tree skirt. Then Dad placed the angel on top and lit it up. It seemed so magical and, to this day, chokes me up. The love is that room was tangible and still is.

BTW, I inherited those ornaments. None of my siblings wanted them (weirdos). I have a small tree that I decorate with only those ornaments. My one wish is to find a small, dark haired angel in a red dress that lights up in honor of my mother. Mom loved angels and had/gifted many angel ornaments. Red was her favorite color. I'm still searching...

To all.  I hope everyone has a great day 

I spent 20+ years intentionally avoiding contact my parents. DH encouraged me to reconnect for years and two years ago I started comminicating (= texting-level at 1st). Today DH is driving us to have Thanksgiving @ my parents = BIG DEAL. 

I am a bit anxious but mainly glad we're going. My parents are thrilled. If my mom starts to "go there" we will leave. My dad is in his 70's & dry-drunk for 30+ years, so no fear of him bringing the raging alcoholic holiday terror-fest I grew up with. 

Peace & love to all my StepTalk peeps!

Holidays at Grandma's, hands down.

This will be our first thanksgiving without mom, she passed this year not particularly thrilled about it this year. But will try to enjoy. We always host. This year my nephew and his wife took over. It’s fine. At least I don’t have to cook all day. And my DH works. His turn to work thanksgiving.  

I guess still stuff to be grateful for. Just not in the best of moods today 

Thank you, STEPTALK, my rock, my trusted friend. You've been with me for years, talking me off that ledge at times, or smiling with me through the good times.  I'm so thankful for this resource and these friendships.  Its just words on a page, but I can feel the caring that we all have and the urge that we have to help each other.   This is a place where the hurting should come to learn from experience and find other step parents who care about you and what you are doing and how life treats you, because all people are important.  For this STEPTALK site I am truly grateful. 

We still go to my Grandma's house. She's up at 4am to cook the bird my uncle gets every year. We have a good bonfire going all day long and there's always a family football game. Since Grandpa passed, Grandma heads the table and says grace. Lotsa family, lotsa food, lotsa love.