The lovely ladies over at TwitterMoms are hosting a Thanksgiving Sweepstakes. The task? Write about 3 Thanksgiving Traditions that you have, or will, pass down to your children. Which of course got me thinking, what traditions will we pass on to Eli and our other future children.

Of course, there’s the standard 3 traditions. Gathering with family, eating overeating, and watching football (this one’s for Dad-oo). Let me elaborate.

Gathering With Family. For me this meant getting together with our extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. And eventually expanded to include husbands, wives and significant others. There were years that we would bounce between both sides of my parents families. Afternoon meal with my mom’s side, followed by a gut busting second meal with my dad’s side. During the last few years, things have shifted from celebrating with the extended family, to celebrating with our more immediate family: parents, sisters and their families. I’ve really enjoyed this change, less stress, less chaos, more talking and bonding time. This is something that I would like to pass on to Eli. Spending time with family is important, but it doesn’t have to be everybody. And celebrating can take place at different times and in different ways. Sometimes it’s a phone call to a family member who couldn’t be there. Or celebrating a few days or weeks after the holiday. The important thing is that you celebrate with the people you love.

Eating Overeating. While we really do try to eat healthy on a day-to-day basis, Thanksgiving is one of those days where we just let go. Calories don’t count when you eat with those you love, right? So bring on the turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and of course the desserts. Pumpkin pie is of course a tradition, but what about a decadent chocolate pie? Or a sinful Snickerdoodle pie? Om nom nom. So we’ll pass on the importance of eating a health diet, but that it’s fun to indulge on special occasions. Especially those occasions that are surrounded by family.

Football, Football, Football. This one is for Dad-oo, since I’m not really a football fan. One of the traditions in his family is to enjoy the countless football games on Thanksgiving day. And if the Packers happen to be playing too, it’s like Thanksgiving and Christmas rolled into one. Since Eli already is fascinated by football (he calls every team the Packers) this will be one tradition that is here to stay. There’s no fighting it.

Other little things that I’d like to pass along include everyone bringing a dish to pass. That way no one person/family has to take on the burden of supplying all of that food (I heart Target for Thanksgiving prep). Enjoying the day with the family pets. Taking as many photos as possible. And making fun of the very talented singer in the family, Uncle Lick Nick.

Thanksgiving Traditions Passed Down is a post from: Alli 'n Son