Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go!
In this stressful time where the clock rules, the above children's song conjures a scene from a Currier and Ives holiday greeting card, and perhaps a time when life moved more slowly and was enjoyed and savored.
The family bundled up against a biting November wind and piled into the sleigh for the trip to grandma's. Grandma, in the meantime probably rose before first light, got the fires going, and began preparing a Thanksgiving feast for her family that could rival any prepared by today's professional chefs.
She did it without the electronic conveniences that we take for granted. She was the director and producer. Her dinner was the main event and her family the stars.
Today's celebration still centers on the family but our sleighs come with horse power, rather than horses, and if we don't want to spend time cooking, we just head to the nearest restaurant for a "traditional feast."
Remembrances
Many north country folks who grew up on farms, remember being allowed to choose their holiday bird from the family flock, watch as it was butchered, then help with the feather plucking and cleaning.
One senior remembered being allowed to choose the bird each year, only to have it chase her around their yard after her dad cut off its head.
Vegetables such as turnips, carrots and beets were generally grown on the farm, and kept in a dry cellar until ready for use. "You ate what you grew," commented one, "and in hard times, you were lucky to find one turnip, but you were always grateful for what you had."
In some families, hunters brought the turkeys home, but traditionally the task of cleaning, dressing and cooking the meal fell to women. They rose early in the day, sometimes while the sky was till moonlit, to bake bread and pies, prepare the vegetables and of course the turkey. "Kids today think that food comes ready to cook in plastic packages or convenient boxes," mused a retired farmer.
Neighbors without close relatives because of distance or death found themselves invited to a family feast, as did travelers who may have become stranded due to weather conditions. A place was always set at the table in good times and lean.
Cleanup required team work as automatic dishwashers did not exist. Often time singing made cleanup faster.
Thanksgiving Today
Our society has become incredibly mobile, yet the call of home at holiday time echoes across years and miles. Many of the diseases that wiped out past generations have been conquered allowing for longer and healthier lives, and in some families, larger celebrations.
We celebrate this holiday much the way preceding generations did, except we now use microwave and convection ovens, food processors and electric mixers to take most of the work out of preparing a large meal. Dishwashers do the bulk of the clean up, leaving the rest of the day to enjoy our loved ones and friends. If we want festive without the fuss, we can head to the nearest restaurant.
Despite punishing schedules, we still take time to gather with family and friends to partake in this traditional feast, and give thanks for our blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving!
from the Staff at Multimedia Inc.
Story by Marianne L. Kelly
