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I love a parade. (Are you singing, too?) I do! My Dad used to wake me up on Thanksgiving morning and I would sit in front of the television, dumb-founded with awe, as the bigger-than-big balloons floated by on the screen. Even now, when I’m busy with kids of my own or preparing something for Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve got the parade on the television set on Thanksgiving morning. It just makes me feel good.
And, considering that Thanksgiving is next Thursday, you might want to consider making it part of your Thanksgiving tradition! (That’s why I’m posting it this week instead of next. Because by the time you would read this next week, Thanksgiving would be over and we’d all be sleepy and full and the parade would be history.)
Now, granted, not all open adoption families live close enough to pile into a living room in pajamas to watch the parade together. However, there are a few ways that you could watch it together and/or together-apart. Let’s brainstorm, shall we?
1. Go to New York! Okay, this may be short notice for this year. But consider it for the future. If you think the balloons are big on your television screen, just stand on the sidewalk as they float right past you! Consider planning a Thanksgiving together in the Big Apple!
2. Let the children call each other on the phone so they can discuss their favorite floats, balloons, dance numbers and bands. A lot of phone companies have reduced rates on holidays. Check with yours!
3. Get technological and set up webcams so the children can watch each other watching the parade! (Yes, I’m a techie-nerd. So?) This may cause extra-excitement as they can watch each other bounce around as they describe why they prefer Abby Cadabby (new to the floats this year) over Elmo. However, they’ll be so enthralled with the television and webcam-ing that you will probably be able to get that side dish finished… with a smile on your face, too. (Ear plugs optional, of course.)
4. If phone and computer are not an option, have the kids write a letter right after the parade is over explaining what their favorite part of the event was and then, on Black Friday (!), leave the house and mail it. (Okay, okay. You can wait until Saturday. …or Monday.) Be extra-cool and snap a picture of the kiddo(s) in their pjs standing next to the parade on the TV and send it in the letter.
If you aren’t parenting children, substitute any reference of children or kids with yourself and allow yourself to be a kid for a morning. Talk on the phone, webcam or write a letter to your child and allow that excitement you felt as a child come back, full force, as you share your placed child’s awe in something. (And definitely take a picture of yourself in your pjs next to the television!)
Oh, I’m all excited for the parade now!
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For more on Creating Traditions, read:
1. Centerpieces.
2. Recipe Exchange.
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Photo Credit.
