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.”
–Lydia Maria Child
This is one of the first songs I can remember learning in school. My, that has been a few years ago now. I didn’t have to get in a sleigh (though this is one of the things I would still like to do sometime) because I lived at Grandma’s house. Plus, the third verse of that song would get to me now. My toes ache in the cold.
“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.”
Thanksgiving is soon upon us. It is a wonderful time of the year and it truly starts of the holiday season. A word here, notice holiday is not a bad thing to say, “Happy Holidays” simply means “Happy Holy Days.” This days are joyous and yet they should also be sacred. There is really very few things more sacred that the celebration of blessing with the family. Traditions, noise, laughter, the fire in the fireplace, the coffee, eggnog and hot cocoa are all part of it. Memories galore! And we must not forget that last verse.
“Over the river, and through the wood —
Now Grandmothers cap I spy!
Hurra for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurra for the pumpkin pie!”
Pumpkin pie, of course! But maybe also mince-meat, or apple, or butterscotch. or …. And Thanksgiving is just the start! After Thanksgiving we think of Christmas and all the days leading up to Christmas are exciting. Tell you what, I’m not sure if there’ll be a Paine next week, not saying there won’t be one, but why don’t you plan on making some kind of memory?
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.”
–Lamentations 3:21-24 (KJV)