Today is the day after, the sliding day, the one that marks the shift from one special day on the calendar to an entire season of special. We chose to be quiet this day, to stay at home, eat leftovers, enjoy the freshness of the sky after rain.
So I sit in my usual spot, computer on my lap, and I drink in the richness of the gifts with which we have been lavished.
Sixteen of us gathered at our son’s home, to feast and laugh and say ‘thank you.’ The chiminea was lit, the appetizers spread, and we carefully helped my mother maneuver the short distance from car to house.
Our gifted daughter-in-law had a spread worth gaping at, with contributions from her mother and my older daughter, and a magnificent bird, smoked after brining.
The table was laid, complete with candy turkeys and bright colored decor, handmade by the 3-year-old at nursery school.
Laughter floated on the breeze, children implored Poppy to play games, food was warmed and presented and appreciated.
We have about four vegetarians and one vegan in our number, and Rachel and Lisa had prepared several scrumptious dishes that they could pile on their plates. We all had a Feast.
And dessert? Fuggedaboutit. An amazing collection of things divine and delish. Joel contributed hand made Bordeaux candies, Lisa baked pumpkin cookies and hand-sized apple pies, Rachel a decadent bourbon/maple pumpkin pie. I added some lemon pie squares and mom contributed a box of See’s Nuts ‘n’ Chews. Yeah, we had enough to eat.
Luke played a little piano, the kids and young adults played a little dominoes, and to cap off the evening, those not interested in watching football had a lively conversation about lasers and accelerators and all things strange and wonderful. My mom didn’t understand a lot of it, but she loved it. I think it helped her to remember who she is – a vibrant, interesting, interested woman who is always searching to learn more. The words will be lost, but the emotions will stay around a while.
And as we carefully got mom back in the car for the drive across town, I took a last look at that candle in the middle of the table. It seemed the perfect closing image for the day – one small light in the midst of it all, a beacon, a reminder of this next season of holy waiting, this time of Advent.
On Sunday, I will begin a daily small series, an Advent journey. A photo, some scripture, a few words of reflection, a prayer. Nothing grand, nothing splendiferous, just a small offering of thanks and worship as we slide into the next season.
Loved reading your reflections, Diana. Sounds like such a good, full day. We had a rich few days too. This was an odd year here – the first Thanksgiving without both my maternal and paternal grandmothers – but we had such a good, laughter filled day altogether, and today was just quiet – our two little girls and Ted and I – we didn’t decorate for Christmas or go out – just a quiet day. Deep sigh. Really looking forward to your Advent reflections.
You are so kind, Annie – and I’m glad you found your way to laughter. I think that’s the best medicine for loss – tears are a close second. I’m grateful for your presence here – thank you.
yes, how quickly Advent is upon us
the time of waiting
peace be still I speak to my prone to be anxious heart
and peace to you, dear friend
Thanks so much, Karin. And peace to you, as well.
The sliding day…oh I do like that one. This was a very different Thanksgiving for us, but the richness of the gifts, yes. The children are grown and gone and for various reasons couldn’t return home, but that was as it should be. We still have the parents, various degrees of frailty, but here and delightful(when not driving us bonkers).Glad I have found your blog. Your pictures are always so lovely and thought provoking. And full of grace, that is what you always bring.
Thanks so much, Judy. Your words bring encouragement and I am grateful. Glad you had a good day – sometimes those quiet ones are rich and good.
I was thinking of this transitional time yesterday and wrote about it, too. For us it isn’t really sandwiched between anything because our Thanksgiving was back in October, but we have American friends so are always aware of their various traditions. One of them begins decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving Day; another refuses to begin Christmas ‘festivities’ – even putting up a tree – until Christmas Eve, continuing them through the Twelve Days of Christmas. One of our families celebrate St. Nicholas Day, sharing gifts and goodies then, and afterwards focus solely on the sacredness of Christmas.
I love how you’ve called it “the shift from one special day on the calendar to an entire season of special.” I love how the American Thanksgiving can be the beginning of a whole season of thankfulness, too.
Thanks for sharing the beauty and blessings of your family’s Thanksgiving with us. I hope the season of Advent is meaningful to you and your loved ones in many special ways.
Thank you, Carol, for your good words. I read your post today – in a flurry of trying to get a little bit caught up after the holiday – and noted that you and Susan Jones and I all had similar themes. It is a transition time, that’s for sure. Sometimes I love having these holidays so close together – and then again, sometimes it drives me a little bit crazy! I had never heard of St. Nicholas day until my middle daughter started it with her boys about 15 years ago – very sweet way to begin to welcome the season, I think. I generally get decor up by the middle of the month and leave it up until the end of epiphany. Depends on how dry the tree gets! May you and yours be blessed this Advent and Christmas season, Carol!