Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Over the river, and through the wood,

 to Grandfather’s house we go;

 the horse knows the way

to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,

to Grandfather’s house away!

We would not stop

for doll or top,

for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It's all warm feelings and loving family with a fantastic meal, to boot.   Our tradition is immediate family getting together and spending the day together . . . chatting, playing games, drinking , nibbling and drooling over the smell of the cooking turkey.  My brother-in-law does most of the cooking and the holiday wouldn't be complete without him having a spastic over-reaction to some little ol' thing.    

Over the river, and through the wood—

oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes

and bites the nose,

as over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,

with a clear blue winter sky.

The dogs do bark

and the children hark,

as we go jingling by.

The dining table is always set with the nicest linens, dishes, cutlery and glassware . . . everything sparkles and looks lovely.   When the food is almost ready everyone is pretty much famished and everybody sneaks into the kitchen to dip their fingers in the mashed potatoes or pinch off a piece of the turkey which is invitingly settling on the counter top. 

Over the river, and through the wood,

to have a first-rate play.

Hear the bells ring,

 “Ting a ling ding!”

Hurray for Thanskgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood—

no matter for winds that blow;

or if we get

the sleigh upset

into a bank of snow.

The whole day climaxes with the turkey being set onto the table . . . five minutes later the carnage is complete, everyone is stuffed and then, of course, there's a huge mess to clean up . . . and pie.  With a shoe horn and a little lubrication you might be able to knock off a piece.

Over the river, and through the wood,

to see little John and Ann;

we will kiss them all,

and play snowball

and stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,

trot fast my dapple gray!

Spring over the ground

like a hunting-hound!

For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving, of course, is about taking the time to reflect on the things were are thankful for.  I am thankful for a family that is doing well in this god-awful economy . . . we all have jobs, have plenty to eat and we have our health.   I am thankful to be able to come home every day to a safe, warm home . . . especially after particularly stressful work days.  I am thankful for a  son who is thriving and, even though he's at the angsty teenage stage, still gives his mom loves and hugs and snuggles.  I am thankful for my fuzzy companion, Fuzzums, who never fails to be sweet, cuddly and evil all at the same time.  I am especially thankful for my husband who is . . . despite his poopheadedness . . . is kind, respectful and  - above all - very loving.

Over the river, and through the wood

and straight through the barnyard gate.

We seem to go

extremely slow—

it is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood—

old Jowler hears our bells;

he shakes his paw

with a loud bow-wow,

and thus the news he tells.

I am thankful for many other things, but those are the most important.

My best wishes to everyone for a happy, gluttonous holiday.  Be safe and be grateful for all the good things in your life.  Remember no matter how bad things are . . . they can always be worse.

Over the river, and through the wood—

when Grandmother sees us come,

she will say, “O, dear,

the children are here,

bring pie for everyone.”

Over the river, and through the wood—

now Grandmother’s cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun!

Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!