Thanksgiving Traditions

So, I LOVE doing these blog hops and reading about everyone else's traditions around the holidays.

Because Lord knows, my family is a stickler for tradition. We do things the SAME way for 30 years, then decide to change it. (Right mom, ahem, Christmas.)

So, every Thanksgiving since I have been born, we have had Thanksgiving at my Grannie Annie's house in Franklin, Tennessee. When I got married and had to share holidays, it was a HUGE adjustment for me. I was so used to doing things "my way" and I was sad about "sharing" and missing things. But, now we (hubs and I) have it worked out to an art, and we get to see everyone. It's a lot of driving, and until my Grannie (God bless her) does not have Thanksgiving anymore, we will keep driving and smiling and seeing everyone.

So, let's talk traditions. We always get there about 2 days before the actual day of Thanks. To visit and drink and EAT appetizers. Srsly, we put down some food. No wonder I have a weight problem. :D And y'all, the drinking commences at like 1:00-and we go all night. My cousins (all 7 of them) and sissy and I have been known to frequent strip bars and other bars around 2 am. Yikes y'all.

That was when I was "younger." Now that I am mature I would never.

And on the actual day of Thanks, we start playing cards upon arrival (we all stay in a hotel so Grannie doesn't have a stroke from our loudness.)

And on the actual day of Thanks, we always say we are eating at 2:00, only to finally sit down around 4:00. And we INHALE all of the food because we are half drunk starving!

And on the actual day of Thanks, lots of football is watched by the 10 men (Dad, Uncle CR, Uncle Pete, Beau, Brett, Sean, Brody, Rusty, Bubba, Jason). And lots of yelling, cussing, and cheering ensues.

And on the actual day of Thanks, used to be lots of smoking cigs going on, but now (Thank GOD) almost all of us have quit! Only 4 smokers remain, (ahem, Uncle Pete, Aunt Kathy, Bubba, Mo). Even though sometimes we would all like to join back in, we WON'T!

And on the actual day of Thanks, ya'll this is what we eat: turkey, ham, dressing, onion casserole, asparagus, celery/olives/pickles, rolls, broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, spinach artichoke casserole, and lots of desserts like pecan tarts and pumpkin rolls. Yummmm! And I may be leaving off something too-cause it's only once a year! I can't remember it all!

And on the actual day of thanks, Reverend cousin Beau is forced to gives a prayer and we all give many thanks for so many blessings that we have in our life. And now Emeline will be a part of that. And I am so thankful.

What are your Thanksgiving traditions? Do share!