Thanksgiving in August 'Mom'ory

I love Thanksgiving.

It's one of the less-stressful holidays. People are still happy. There isn't as much road-rage as there is in December. The weather is still mild and the smell of snow approaching is in the air.

Unless, of course, you're cooking for the holiday. Those happy people seem to follow you to the grocery store as you pick up the forgotten can of wondra flour or fried onions for the green bean casserole; they show up in the housewares store, chatting away while you try to find the right-size tablecloth because you added the leaves to the dining room table.

My mother has found a way to prepare for turkey day. Have a summer Thanksgiving! After all, who doesn't need to be thankful in July and August? If anything, it's a way to master those little-used recipes and take advantage of short lines at the grocery store.

So, this new summer holiday was a surprise to the rest of the family. My mother didn't tell us what we were having for dinner; she just asked us to come for a meal.

Upon arriving, we were greeted with cranberry juice (spiked, of course). We peeked and poked and I saw what looked like a tented turkey on the counter. The smell of potatoes and stuffing filled the air.

We couldn't believe it! Who does this? When I asked my mother why we were having Thanksgiving in August, she simply said that she is grateful that we are all happy and healthy.

I think about it now and realize this is going to be one of those memories that lasts forever.

We all sat (there were twelve of us) around her new outdoor dining set. We passed the gravy and biscuits and put on our sunscreen. We ate, leisurely, and talked and laughed. We were not dressed up. We were not thinking of Christmas. No one was rushed. No one left to go Black Friday shopping. The kids all hung around the backyard when they were done, playing lawn games and swinging on the swings.

I love Thanksgiving but I love my mother even more for making it so special. She is still teaching me things, my mamacita, even though I'm all grown up!

So, we stuffed ourselves with food, then pie, and, like Thanksgiving, retired for the night thinking we ate too much. What a day it was! I almost think the 'real' Thanksgiving won't compare. Maybe we should switch it around and have burgers and hot dogs come November. I'll bring the pasta salad!