Over the next few weeks I’m going to share some of our family’s Thanksgiving traditions and recipes. We’ve been Blessed to be able to host Thanksgiving dinner for my side of our family for many years. It’s been beautiful to watch the family grow. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister and there are now 32 of us. My parents have 20 grandchildren. 
Not everyone is able to make it to our home each year, but when they all do it is extra special.
Mark usually takes the whole week of Thanksgiving off and we spend time goofing off with the kids, decorating, cooking and making fun
Thanksgiving crafts. Last year we decorated with all natural decor. Our family spent an afternoon in the woods behind our house gathering dried plant matter and greenery, brought it all in and made arrangements for the tables and buffets. We carved Apples to use as candle holders and used pears as place markers.
I hope to share our recipes for Pumpkin soup, Cranberry pie and our special cranberry pretzel dip (it’s Better than it sounds) along with others. I’d love to hear some of your Thanksgiving traditions and how you make the holidays special for your family.
If you have anything Thanksgiving related that you’d like me to cover this is Your opportunity.
You may also enjoy:
Hi, I'm Kimberly. 
Is it just a coincidence that all of your non-proper nouns that you capitalized spell “Baby”?
Hmmm?
Or is there another “tradition” you’re going to expound upon?
[Reply]
It is such a blessing to see the next generation showing forth the love of Christ. To see families loving and serving each other (a little taste of heaven). I am overwhelmed with seeing all my grandchildren being raised in godly homes. There is nothing more I can ask for, God has truly blessed me. Looking forward to another wonderful thanksgiving day! Thanks Kimberly
[Reply]
Raising Olives Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Thanks mom, I love you!
[Reply]
We host both my family and hubby’s family at every holiday…it makes for some BIG cooking! I am looking forward to learning about your recipes and traditions, Kim
[Reply]
Raising Olives Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:06 am
As our family has grown, we have more people to bring dishes, so the cooking is fairly simple. I think that last year I just did the turkey, stuffing and gravy for the 30 of us. We do the appetizers and snacks for fun.
I hope that you have help with at least some of the cooking.
[Reply]
What a GREAT idea! It’s always nice to get new ideas
[Reply]
Oh, PLEASE post the cranberry pie recipe. It sounds yummy!!
[Reply]
Raising Olives Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:03 am
I already have it typed up and in a post, but I have so much to say this week!
[Reply]
This year I am making (a little behind) a give thanks countdown. Every day we write down something we are thankful for and put it in the pocket on the calendar. Then on Thanksgiving day we will read them all outloud. I pray it helps my children anticipate the holiday a bit more and open up conversation about giving thanks to the Lord and how that is so important in our faith. If I can get my computer to cooperate I will post pictures on my blog, It hasn’t been letting me upload anything! Love the idea of natural decor I might just have to incorporate some of that also. This is the one time a year that all my family is together, my two brothers and my parents all come up for 4 or 5 days. Tons of fun and fellowship!
[Reply]
Raising Olives Reply:
November 5th, 2009 at 8:04 am
This is a neat idea. I’ve toyed with some similar thoughts, but have never implemented. Maybe I’ll make it part of school.
[Reply]
It all sounds so neat and yummy! Great idea using the apples & pears!
[Reply]
Looking forward to the upcoming posts.
[Reply]
Doh! You beat me to it. That’s what I’m doing this month, too. I LOVE Thanksgiving, so check my blog soon for some similar posts!
[Reply]
I love Thanksgiving traditions! I want my kids to remember this season not as just a day, but a special season to remember those that have gone before us, and what God is doing in our lives. One way I do this is to have special books and toys reserved for October/November.http://www.gabesbabes.com/2010/10/autumn-toys.html
[Reply]