“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.”

My family always hosted Thanksgiving when I was growing up. We could expect about 20 people to arrive ready to enjoy a day of eating, skeet-shooting (a bottle of champagne to the winner, a can of beans to last-place finisher), more eating, a walk before dessert, followed by a lively game of charades.

One of my favorite memories is listening to my mother whistle Thanksgiving songs while immersed in the holiday preparations. She would whistle  “We Gather Together”  as she readied the turkey for its long oven sojourn,  then move on to  “Over the River and Through the Woods” as she mapped out the table seating chart and counted napkins and silverware.

We might hear  “Come ye Thankful People Come” she peeled potatoes or “Great is Thy Faithfulness”  while she baked an array of pies.

Cooking with musical accompaniment – a holiday tradition at our house.  My mother isn’t much of a singer, but she can whistle with the best of them.

I give thanks for Thanksgiving songs and hymns that remind me of the joy of the season.

What are you thankful for today?