Ringing in the Holidays
After hosting guests for Thanksgiving last year, I’ve allowed someone else to take a turn this year. Although I occasionally travel to visit family for the holiday, I enjoy staying local to celebrate among the many friends who open their homes and kitchens on Thanksgiving. I love learning about and participating in the different ways people celebrate, and contributing something of my own tradition. Today, I’ll be feasting with friends from southwest Virginia.
As I type, I’m roasting squash for my contribution to the dinner this evening – a salad with quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and a maple syrup dressing. I’ll also bring a bottle of oaked cider I picked up during one of my trips to Distillery Lane Ciderworks last month, an homage to American drink history.
But we hardly have time to give thanks for what we have before we’re pressured to grasp for more. Black Friday was never a tradition for my family nor is it my idea of a good time. This long weekend, I’ll be seeking a slower, more social way to ring in the next round of holidays, including
- Support my business neighbors and friends, and enjoy some of the more unique Shop Local Week events
- Enjoy live music, dancing and the local folk music community at a nearby square dance (it’s more fun than you know!)
- Take a break from Thanksgiving leftovers to grab dinner with friends at a restaurant we’ve been waiting to try
- Begin decorating and meshing holiday traditions with my housemate
How are you ringing in the holiday season?