Thanksgiving 1987

Conservatives talk a lot about tradition. Sometimes it sounds like the only traditions we care about are political and literary histories that one would find on a Great Books syllabus. But more humble traditions are equally important for the same reason: tradition gives us context and information to understand ourselves and those around us. A rich conservatism celebrates intellectual and national tradition alongside family and regional history.

In light of this and Thanksgiving, here’s an excerpt from a beautifully written Thanksgiving reunion invitation penned by my Grandma “Bif” 25 years ago.

Would You Believe? 1987

It has been 20 years since the first Thanksgiving at the Lazy 4J Ranch.

We have bought and served enough turkey to have cleaned out a poultry farm, cooked enough dressing to properly attire an army, and Carmon’s sweet potatoes have been a real dig! Vegetable gardens have been destroyed by our relish trays and pumpkin pies, and who but the Smiths would pick and shell enough pecans for all those wonderful pies?

And then we have all the smart “young things” who, having had such good guidance, now shower us with their many talents. I think their message to us is “move over old folks” and by golly they get no fight from me. (I’m the lazy sister, you see.)

We have clean cars, dirty cars, stuck cars; we have prayed for sunshine-gotten rain but it did not dampen our spirits-only our clothes, because when the air got heavy in the house, you weathered the great outdoors-rain or not!

This year promises to be more of the same-don’t middle out in the fun, the best is yet to come. Wear a hat of your choice, costume accordingly, be a pilgrim, Indian, cowboy, or space man but don’t stay home!

The Smiths will be your host and hostess- I’ll be there, hope that I will see you.

Bif and Les