Our Thanksgiving holiday involved staying for three days at a very large house on a small, quiet, rural island with three dogs, four children under the age of five (4 1/2, 2, 1, and 5 months), three young couples, one family friend, and three sets of grandparents that included one pair of exes, members of all political persuasions, vegetarians and meat eaters -- and there was no squabbling, no heated discussions, and no family drama.
We did experience great and timely communication and too much good food. Everyone brought what they liked to drink and a pie. Folks were assigned a meal to be responsible for or foods to bring.
We all talked with each other -- about future dreams and plans, past and future vacations, staying healthy, remodeling, books, movies, kids, memories, cooking, dogs, cats, and shared pictures on laptops. We did not discuss politics or religion.
Television viewing was limited and consisted of old movies, cartoons, and Wii fitness games. Cell phone signal was non-existent. Folks were free to read, walk, work jigsaw puzzles, play with grandkids, talk, nap, go exploring, do some shopping, take a drive around the island, check email -- whatever they wanted.
Thanks Nola for your wonderful planning. And thanks to everyone there for help in making the time together a relaxing and wonderful gathering.