Thanks Giving

"Thanksgiving Day"
by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river and through the wood,
To grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood--
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
"Ting-a-ling-ding!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood
Trot fast, my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Link a hunting-hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go
Extremely slow,--
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood--
Now grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Well, we'll be going over several rivers on our way to Mimi and Granddad's house for Thanksgiving. But as we're traveling Tuesday night, the children should not find it "so hard to wait".

While much of this poem is obviously dated (the dapple gray and sleigh are now a minivan), much still speaks to us about the Thanksgiving experience. We are SO looking forward to "first-rate play" with many cousins. And just being with family and friends, and enjoying all that delicious food makes for a memorable holiday.

I know we have much to be thankful for here. I won't list it all now, but wish you a blessed holiday. Thanks be to God!