Thanksgiving Prep for theWhole Family
Let Kids Play a Role This Thanksgiving
Sharing your own family’s very personal sadnesses with the outside world is nothing short of terrifying. I’ve been torn about sharing our miscarriage with others. Even the word “miscarriage” itself bothers me. To be honest, I hate the term. I prefer “pregnancy loss” instead. Telling people I had a miscarriage sounds like my body has failed or that I’m to blame in some way. But I’m not to blame for this; no one is. While it’s not a particularly easy subject to discuss, Adam and I decided after lots of consideration that it was important to share so publicly. You see, my husband has the type of job that allows him to participate in both the joy of his clients’ lives and the devastations they experience. He gets to hear about additions and accomplishments, and he gets to hear about deaths and losses. In this way, it only seems fair that he and I be transparent as well. When Gratefulness Seems Impossible My Wife's Perspective GIVE EVERYONE A ROLE No, not those rolls — yet. Making the feast a family project can turn the day from a hectic list of chores into a magical bonding experience. It’s important to match each family member to a job that best fits their abilities. Young children can mash potatoes or rinse ingredients in the sink. Older kids can take on more responsibility, like measuring ingredients, keeping an eye on timers, and setting the table. Teens and young adults can supervise their younger siblings and cousins in these important tasks and may be called upon to stir what’s on the stove while an adult checks on the football game. ROLL OUT THE DECORATIONS Still not talking about bread. Not everything in Thanksgiving preparation needs to be tied to the kitchen. Creative family members of all ages can work together to bring some seasonal flare to the dining room. Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s about coming together as a family and being thankful for one another. So why wait to get into the spirit until everyone is seated at the table? Here are a few ways you can make the actual preparation of Thanksgiving dinner fun and engaging for the whole family!
Maybe this means picking up some Thanksgiving coloring books, or perhaps the family can venture outdoors to collect autumn trimmings for crafts. It’s a great way to let each family member put their own personal spin on the holiday! HAVE A ‘ROLLER DERBY’ Finally. While an adult should be the one to put these delicious baked goods in the oven, the whole family can help shape the dough. In fact, Care.com recommends making this a contest. Set aside a time when everyone can vie for the title of Fastest Roll Maker, and you’ll have plenty of warm, flaky, delicious treats come dinnertime. Letting everyone play a part may take a little more planning and add slightly more chaos to your Thanksgiving preparations. But it’s sure to produce a lot of great memories and bonding moments among your loved ones. And by the time you sit down to eat, you’ll all have something to be thankful for right in front of you — Those. Delicious. Rolls.
I would like to see. As I reflected, I realized that this year, I’ve struggled to be completely grateful. I don’t know God’s plan for the future, but I know that accepting this loss was not easy. I’ve spent hours feeling angry and betrayed by my body. I’ve felt simultaneously devastated and bewildered that there could be a heartbeat one day and then nothing the next — how one day, you have a baby, and the next day, you don’t. Then, after all that, I felt guilty for focusing on those emotions because I still had four children to take care of. People say that time heals all wounds, and while I don’t know that I’ll ever reach that point, I can say that the loss of a potential child brought forth a feeling of deep gratitude and a new perspective and appreciation for the family Adam and I created. It’s easy to get caught up in the business of raising four kids, and if nothing else, this experience has been a reminder to slow down and relish the little moments — the hugs and snuggles from our boys who are growing up so quickly — and to be thankful during the hard times.
We recently celebrated the Jewish New Year, so I made mental notes of the good and bad aspects of my life and some changes
-Maria Libman
4 • www.AdamLibman.com • Pay Less Taxes by Implementing Tax Reduction Strategies
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