Make Thanksgiving Memories

Every Thanksgiving we take individual pictures of every person—friends and family members—sitting at our table. These are not your typical smile-and-pose pics. No, not even close.

Fifteen years ago, the “Stewart’s Viking Thanksgiving” pic tradition began. That Thanksgiving, our friend brought us a gift from her trip to Scotland—a funny plaid hat with horns and fake red hair. It was a souvenir from Scotland, but we all immediately called it a Viking hat. As my husband carved the turkey, my youngest son immediately claimed one of the giant turkey legs for himself. That led to his siblings suggesting we take a picture of their little brother pretending to bite into the turkey leg while wearing the new Viking hat. Never missing a chance to embarrass himself, he loved the idea and put on a little show for the camera. That photo looked so hilarious that we each took similar pictures with the hat on, holding the turkey leg. What fun we had! After the meal, my husband (without permission!) shared each embarrassing photograph on social media. And a new family tradition was born.

Thanksgiving comes and goes so fast, doesn’t it? So much preparation and planning goes into that brief time we all sit around the table. For me, those moments of guaranteed Viking-hat laughter, followed by prayers of gratitude and reflections of God’s goodness, make it all worthwhile. 

Each year, our Thanksgiving table looks a little different. Some of the family can’t make it for one reason or another. Some are no longer with us. God’s Word gives us some perspective on this:

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. (James 4:14 NLT)

James reminds us that our life is a vapor, similar to morning fog. Here, then gone. We can know what time the sun will rise and set, but no one knows when mist will appear or vanish. Some things are only known by God. So, savor the moments! Keep those family traditions, no matter how much preparation is required to pull them off! Make happy memories and keep records of them. And follow King Solomon’s advice: So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.