Speaking of Spirit

Holiday traditions usually last for as long as there is meaning in them, like any rite or ritual. For Roger and me, the tradition of turkey for Thanksgiving has flown the coop!  We didn't travel this year due to the rising numbers of active COVID cases. Instead, we talked about what we would really like to have for dinner. Our menu was simple, healthy and delicious! I made Asian chicken with bok choy, fried rice, homemade cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetables. (My Eastern European ancestors would be proud that I kept the root veggies!) I made us up an intimate table for two with a candle and a stuffed turkey (the cuddly kind). We gave thanks for all our bounty and enjoyed sitting side by side eating, reminiscing and giggling.  Our Thanksgiving was complete!  My purpose in writing this post is to show that we don't HAVE to have turkey or pumpkin pie or sweet potatoes with marshmallows if we don't want or like them. We can have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and ...

  On All Hallows' Eve, the day before All Hallows' or All Saints Day, ancient belief was that the veil between this world and the next. Loved ones were able to visit from the grave. My Celtic ancestors carved turnips with lights in them to scare away the evil spirits and light the way for our relatives to come home for the night. Today, Halloween is a mixture of fun and games, but few remember that this night is one to remember our beloved dead, light candles to help them find their way home and gather together to thank the saints for guiding us through the year. On this All Hallows' Eve, as the last surviving member of my immediate family, (My parents and siblings are all deceased.) I will lite a candle or two, remember the love we shared, the lessons learned and give thanks that they are all out of the suffering of this world.   May all who read this post, take a moment to remember their loved ones and give thanks.   Have a safe All Hallows' Eve. Blessings!