I cannot seem to understand why as soon as November 1st comes around on our calendars, a lot of people skip right over Thanksgiving and think ahead towards Christmas. Although I love both holiday's, I never understand why some people don't value the time they get to spend with their families on this one day. Thanksgiving, for my family at least, was the best because I got to catch up with all my family who live in different states on one day, and it was the best feeling because after a year of not seeing everyone, we would always have so much to talk about. There are countless inside jokes and table stories that have developed from the "kids" table over the years, and these memories will forever be priceless in my mind.
I enjoy all the traditions we've developed over the years. Every year it is the same, but sometimes that type of continuity is what makes each year so enjoyable. Powderpuff love runs deep in Wallingford since that's where Judy Samaha started the beloved tradition years ago. We always start by going to the Powderpuff game the day before Thanksgiving with whoever is in town. We stand in the cold, cheering "West side, best side, because we knew it was true" waiting for the clock to run out, announcing our victory. Sometimes, the crowd rushes the field because the game is so incredible. Powderpuff is an experience every senior girl in Wallingford, CT looks forward to, my self included last year. We go home, and celebrate, win or lose, with our family we've come so close to in the short weeks before during long 8:00 am practices.
We always wake up the next morning, load up the car with blankets and stadium seats, and make a quick stop to Dunkin or Neil's to grab a coffee and a donut for the game. We huddle in the stands and watch our Titans battle it out with the Trojans for the trophy to bring back home. After all is said and done, we pack up our belongings, head home, and begin cooking the feast of a lifetime. More than likely, we end up at a relative's house with all the extended family, laughing over ridiculous jokes, arguing over football, but eventually eating a beautiful meal altogether for the first time since the previous year.
The night goes on, and sometimes we head out to the movie theater to see whatever is popular at the moment. We come back, play some cards, or Toss your Cookies, and head to bed for the early morning the next day.
Whoever feels up to it piles into the car to go Black Friday shopping, come home, and then eventually say all our goodbyes until next year.
