No-Go Thanksgiving

Today was supposed to be a good day. 

I finished with my holidays cookies yesterday for a cookie exchange.  Over 13 dozen cookies made and now I get to relax.  The Christmas Tree is up and decorated.  I wanted to do that last weekend but I didn't have the energy or motivation.  Having a cold didn't help matters but I knew I wanted it up before Thanksgiving.  I really want to enjoy the Holiday Spirit because last year I skipped putting up the giant tree.

And then I talked with my mom on the phone.  She is going to be hosting Thanksgiving this year.  It is going to be a small crowd.  Just immediate family and my mom's sister and her husband, and my mom's two brothers.  Their significant others (wife/girlfriend) don't usually attend family gatherings.  I don't know why; we're a friendly bunch.  I only see them at weddings/ funerals.  No, make that just funerals.  Neither one came to either of my cousins weddings, but they did make it for the grandparents funerals.

She doesn't want me and my sister to come Up North because the roads "may" be bad.  Well, maybe they will be just fine.  So what...am I just supposed to stay home...alone....for Thanksgiving.  No thanks.  I was stuck without any family for Christmas last year. 

Truthfully, I spent it at an old coworker's, who opened up her home to anyone who didn't have any plans.  And I had more fun than I would have had with my own family.  We had tons of food (Prime Rib, Twice Baked Potatoes, Grilled Steak), plenty of laughs just talking and playing games and cards. Attire was extremely casual....pajama casual.  Adults and kids all at the same table.  No kiddie table for me at Eileen's home.

Family is very important to me, especially for all the special occasions.  My parents aren't spring chickens.  They won't be there for all of MY holidays.  Maybe I'm being selfish for wanting to keep creating holiday memories while I still can.  And I want to appreciate the family that I do have.  Cousins are getting older, getting married and creating traditions of their own.  I feel sad that it's not like it used to be when my grandparents were still around.

I have this idea in my head of how Thanksgiving should be and it's not staying home and not celebrating with loved ones.  Rain, sleet or snow isn't going to stop me.  It's times like these when I really wish I could say screw you all and hang out at my significant other's house and enjoy myself with him and his family.