It’s that time of year when we are all thinking about our plans for Thanksgiving. What the menu will be, how to decorate, who will be coming, or if we are travelling. If we’re going to celebrate with friends or family, we may need to bring something. If we are hosting, there is a lot more to plan. Thanksgiving here at the Weekday School is no different and we are hosting! Each class holds its own Thanksgiving celebration, or as in recent years, the term ‘Friendsgiving’ has become more popular. I think both terms are perfect descriptions because we are so thankful for the friendships that develop and flourish at school and it is a wonderful time for the children to come together and share a special meal.
The Weekday School meal is slightly different than a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner because it’s what children would choose. Just as every family has a slightly different Thanksgiving menu, so do each of our classes as the children bring in different parts of the meal to share. As the host, the school provides chicken nuggets (the turkey) and the children bring the sides. There is almost always mac & cheese, apple slices or applesauce (we need something that falls in the fruit and veggie food group), Jello jigglers (cranberry sauce) and of course cookies for dessert. It is a simple but meaningful meal.
The children work hard on decorations for their table and many have even made their own placemats or have special plates and napkins. The prayer they say before their meal may be simple, but just as powerful and always heard by God. After they pray together and the feast begins, the laughter and chatter at these tables is absolutely priceless. There is just something special about the fellowship of sharing a meal together with the people in our lives. That truly is the best part – sitting together and giving thanks for friends, our church, our school, our families and all that God does in our lives. We are so thankful for each of you and wish you a Thanksgiving filled with blessings.
