Who Doesn’t Love Some Thanksgiving Nostalgia?

Who doesn’t love some Thanksgiving nostalgia? For me every one of the holidays we celebrate gives me some sort of nostalgia. Whether it’s Easter, or Christmas, or what have you. Just so happens that Thanksgiving is upon us. Fall is my favorite time of the year. Leaves are turning beautiful, vibrant colors. The air is crisp and aromatic. Mostly, the weather is now at the perfect temperature to cook comfortably. Tis the season for the meals with all the good feels. So, without further ado, let’s touch on some of that good ol’ nostalgia.

Presidents once believed freely in God and made it known

The most prevalent one, at least for this time of year, that comes to mind is this one. We know that many of our forefathers were God fearing men and made no qualms about it. President Lincoln was no exception to this statement. Here’s what he had to say back in 1863:

What about the Old South Church of Beverly, MA?

I came across a hymn that was written by on Miss Lucy Larcom is celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of it existence. Why would we care about some church celebrating an anniversary by a member writing a hymn? Well, you may not know this, but it is actually quite significant to our history.

You see, it was the largest building in Colonial New England and thus became the venue for many great events leading to the foundation of this nation. Such as, you ask? Meetings were hosted there that led to the Boston Tea Party, for one. Mary Chilton, the first woman to step ashore at Plymouth in 1620, was a member. The second minister of the Old South Church, Samuel Willard, fought against the madness of the so-called “witch trials.” He helped break John Alden, Jr. out of jail when he was accused of witchcraft. Benjamin Franklin was a child of Old South Church before fleeing to Philadelphia and was baptized in their meetinghouse the day he was born. Samuel Adams, revolutionary and patriot (and song leader on Sunday), hosted the meetings of the Boston Tea Party. William Dawes rode with Paul Revere. On a side note The Old North Church was Paul Revere’s FIRST stop on his infamous :Midnight Ride” where he instructed three Boston Patriots to hang two lanterns (two-if-by-sea) in the church’s steeple. So here’s that hymn written 150 years ago.

Are you feeling nostalgic yet?

If you’re not quite nostalgic, how about ready for the holiday, at least? When I think of Thanksgiving at my house growing up, I consider myself pretty lucky. There were many family members present. My mother cooked for days leading up to it. Macy’s Day Parade on television, High School rival football games, my Nana’s infamous cream puffs and finding a way to be with my best friend all day, despite our parents wanting us at our respective homes. These memories just can’t be replaced. They are weaved into my childhood and family traditions today are built on those traditions in the making. Many family members have passed on and friends have moved away. Our gatherings are smaller, but we still celebrate it like they were all still here. We are creating new traditions with our daughter. She’ll go on to create her own while still honoring the old ones. So here’s one for the children:

Any change in that attitude?

So if you’re sitting around this Thanksgiving and feeling down or just in a funk, I hope you find this and it brings at least an inkling of a smile to your face. If you’re all alone and want to drop a comment, please do. Share you own memories, traditions, or favorite part of the holiday. I always look forward to interaction with you all. You’re all amazing!

Oh and if you’re interested in some Thanksgiving prep click here to learn how to cut a raw turkey. Click here to follow my easy to make pie crust. Just the two of you this year? Click here for my oven roasted turkey breast recipe. Not a pie person, but need a dessert for the day? Click here for the original Toll House Cookie recipe.

Click on over to this sight for some more in-depth info on Pilgrim History.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!