One of our long-standing Thanksgiving traditions was to drive through the light display at Our Lady of the Snows after dinner. When we started this tradition, Jessica (with some help from me) would read the boards along the way that set out the story of the birth of Jesus. As Kelli got older, she and Jessica would alternate reading, and then our last time through, Maddy was able to read some of them as well. We listen to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack and slowly drive through the display, marveling at the beauty and just enjoying the time together.
We didn't go after our last Thanksgiving together. We had planned to go on Friday.
This year, we'll be out of town after Thanksgiving, and Maddy will be spending the holiday with her dad.
I decided this year, instead of being crabby that yet again one more tradition was ruined, we would try to start a new tradition and go through the light display early. So, we went last night. It didn't quite work out the way we planned.
I never thought I'd say I like it when it's packed, but that's part of the experience. When there are so many cars you have to turn your headlights off and idle through at a speed slower than walking, you have time to look around and see all the displays, and have time to read the boards. As we went through last night, the cars behind us that apparently wanted to go a little faster than we were, so we felt rushed. Poor Maddy was trying to read the signs as we went by, and when she came to the one about the shepherds "making haste" to see the baby Jesus, I thought, how appropriate, as that's what the people behind us are trying to do.
She did get her stuffed sheep at the end of the tour, and she decided to name it "Baaaaxter." Clever, huh?
I think we'll be going back on Sunday night when she gets home, so we can drive slow, enjoy the view, and read the signs without feeling like we have to rush our experience.
Enjoy your holiday with your family and friends.
2 comments:
Traditions are wonderful. I don't know why people are so rushed. You should see the east coast, it's like where's the fire ppl, slow down?! I am definitely thinking of you and keeping your family in my prayers. Please have a great holiday and keep on making new traditions.
No matter what the specific cause, we have to keep inventing new traditions. If we keep doing the same old thing, the same old way it was always done... eventually we're reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, but we aren't sure why.
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