I‘ve often wondered what the first Thanksgiving
was really like in 1621. Can you imagine being so far
from home – living in a strange land – unsure of what your
future would hold?
I cannot imagine the courage and strength and
determination it must have taken to board that ship
and ride across a vast sea of nothingness
for months on end….not knowing what was on the
other side. But, wanting to seek a new and better
World where they would be free of religious persecution.
It has been told that the Thanksgiving we know today
has very little in common with the original celebration.
These 102 Pilgrims gathered for a feast of celebration for a
successful Harvest. They had a few unexpected guests.
Good thing they cooked extra food. 
Today, Thanksgiving is the day we gather to give our
thanks for all the blessings bestowed upon us.
To me, Thanksgiving signifies family.
We celebrate this holiday at our home each year.
Two large tables filled to overflowing with Moms and Dads and
Sisters and Brothers and
Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and Nephews and Nieces.
Our Thanksgiving may not be anything like the original
1621 feast of wild game and fish – but a feast it is.
Each year – we all agree that we are not going to
cook as much food as we did the previous year.
hahahahahahaha!
Each year, each family member arrives with enough
food to feed a small Army.
We are Southern after all.
Me and my husband have a tradition that we have
been doing for the past 10 years since we moved back home after
his retirement from the Marine Corps.
After everyone has left and headed home with full bellies and
happy hearts –
we fix huge carry-out plates from the mountains of leftovers…
Then, we drive to the two local Marine
Corps bases…and visit with the Marines on guard duty.
Last year was one of my favorite years. Those sweet boys were so
excited. They had lots of cookies and fudge and sweets that had
been dropped off to them.
But – their eyes lit up when they saw we had turkey and ham
and dressing and all the fixings. One Marine got quite
excited when he saw a bowl of collards. He said he had not
been home to Georgia in 2 years to have his grandmother’s collards.
I served him an extra helping. 
When we left – they gave salutes to my hubby.
But, from me – they got hugs.
{and that’s not so easy when they have M-16’s
strapped around them.}
They thanked us. And we thanked THEM.
We have one other tradition – my hubby and I – after we get home.
He grabs a bourbon, and I grab my wine. And we grab slices of
pecan or pumpkin pie. And we head out to the hot tub.
And we each have to name three things we are grateful for.
The hot tub cannot be one of them. ha!
From my family here at The Everyday Home – we
wish you a day filled with family, love, blessings…
and moments that remind you of why you are truly Thankful.
I am so honored to be part of a fabulous group of
Bloggers who have been sharing their Thanksgiving
Tablescapes this week.
The talent being shared is beyond amazing.
Here is the full schedule – so please make sure you visit each one.
Monday, Nov 11th
Celebrating Everyday Life with
Jennifer Carroll On Sutton Place
Tuesday, Nov 12th
Worthing Court Home Is Where the Boat Is
Wednesday, November 13
Thursday, November 14
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what a wonderful tradition to include those fellas on duty! Your table is lovely Barb. Is that just brown craft paper? what a great idea for the “I am thankful for…”.
View CommentGorgeous table and wonderful tradition, Barb!
View CommentI know those boys on duty are thankful for your pilgrimage and turkey leftovers! Love the ‘ I am thankful’ written by the place settings at your table!
View CommentSuch a lovely table setting, but even more lovely is the tradition of generosity of you to our soldiers. I am in tears reading this morning. I know they were most grateful.
Have a lovely week!
View CommentOh that made me cry! What a wonderful Thanksgiving tradition, while many head to shop you are sharing and giving in the real Thanksgiving spirit~thanks so much for sharing your holiday
View CommentLoved your post. My husband had collard greens at a Church function and loved them. I have no idea how to make them and would love to get a recipe from you. Thanks.
View CommentWhat a beautiful post…thank you xo
View CommentBarb, I love hearing about your family and the way you gather and love one another. But the very best part of this post is when you talked about giving those wonderful soldiers a Thanksgiving meal. God bless you!!!! What a darling thing to do!
View CommentYour table is amazing. I love all the natural beauty and love you set it with!
xo
What a beautiful table Barb! I loved reading about your traditions…the soldiers must love that! I would too if I were far from home. Have an amazing Thanksgiving this year!
View CommentLOVE this table and I love that after all your hard work and long day you still keep giving, amazing!! I would love to be sitting at your family table and eating some of your wonderful cooking! The little frames turned out great Barb!!
View CommentWhat a beautiful tradition. Your warmth and generosity will certainly be remembered by those wonderful men. You have a beautiful table but most of all you have a beautiful heart.
View CommentI love your craft paper thankful list right on the table! Might have to use that idea!
View CommentBeautiful holiday tradition and it really blessed my heart and your table is so very pretty, I am in love with the glassware, could you tell me the name and where you found it? Happy holidays to your family
View CommentEverything looks great! Isn’t amazing how each family is just a little bit different (okay, maybe a lot of bit different) and yet the traditions are held to tightly and joyfully! Love your tablescap!
View CommentWhat a beautiful and very touching post. Everything on the table is so pretty and the enjoyment with your family sounds great. However, the story that you told about the Marines touched my soul. I LOVE that you do that and so proud that you take the time to do this for these courageous people who serve this Country!!! Enjoy your hot tub this year. BRAVO!!!!
Cynthia
View CommentThank you for reminding us of the first THanksgiving and all the sacrifices the early pilgrims made. Thank you for sharing your tradition to take those on duty a plate. I have tears in my eyes and hope I can find something similar to do for someone else.
Your table is lovely with so many natural elements. I am inspired by your “I am thankful for” notes by each plate.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am glad you were a part of the group.
View CommentThanks for your sweet heart and kindness and sharing your wonderful traditions.
View CommentWhat a great post, Barb! We will be up north for Thanksgiving this year, where they don’t even KNOW collards! I will cook them when I get home.
View CommentYour table is beautiful, Barb, but most of all – you, my dear, have a beautiful heart! God bless you and have a great Thanksgiving.
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Wonderful post, Barb. Love your family traditions!
View CommentWhat a sweet, sweet tradition you and Bill have. I love that you do that! Your table looks wonderful and I love the place beside each setting to write what each person is thankful for.
View CommentLOVE the idea of the paper tablecloth and writing what you’re thankful for next to your plate! Everything looks so beautiful.
View CommentAll your little touches clearly speak volumes about your love of family and home. Amazing tablescape!
View CommentI love your sweet Thanksgiving story! What a wonderful way to share the holiday! Your table is just lovely.
View CommentYou know I’m lovin’ the cotton in that centerpiece!! Love the little berries too.
View CommentIs that how you snagged Bill? Did you take him a plate of food and invite him back to the hot tub? Or maybe it was the other way around. Wonderful traditional – so sweet and so generous — and as always, a lovely Thanksgiving table.
View CommentSo beautiful Barb…the table and your traditions! I got teary thinking about the Marines you got and visit, that is such a wonderful idea! I love the fall colors against your white pieces, especially the centerpiece! It’s been so fun to be a part of the Tablescape party!!
Heather
View CommentActually – it was my biscuits and gravy. 🙂
View Comment