Preparation Day

The New-England Boy's Song about Thanksgiving Day - Lydia Maria Child

Over the river, and through the wood,

To Grandmother's house we go;

the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,

to Grandfather's house away!

We would not stop for doll or top,

for 'tis Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood—

oh, how the wind does blow!

It stings the toes and bites the nose

as over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood—

and straight through the barnyard gate,

We seem to go extremely slow,

it is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood—

When Grandmother sees us come,

She will say, "O, dear, the children are here,

bring a pie for everyone."

Over the river, and through the wood—

now Grandmother's cap I spy!

Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?

Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

When we got in the car to travel to Grandpa and Grandma's house, invariably we would sing this song.

Maybe not the whole song, there are some of these verses that seem completely new to me, especially two and four and I'm not sure about verse five.  It also seems we added the refrain of "Jingle Bells" to the robust singing led by my dad.

Just a few places are left in the United States where we have to travel with horse and sleigh and contend with snow drifts at the same time.  Thankfully, we have cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles with four wheel drive to get us where we want to go.  This poem was first written in 1844.

It turned into a Christmas poem with an easy re-write and I'm guessing we've all heard this song at grade school Christmas concerts.

Looking out the window this morning, the song seems appropriate.  The snow covers the ground around here, albeit not very deep.  The wind chill adds some bite to the air, and we all remember how long it seemed to take to get to Grandma's house.

You may take comfort in the day before Thanksgiving as a time for last minute preparation - cleaning and cooking or baking the items that can be made in advance.

You may even realize that tables have been turned and the people coming to see you are going to Grandmother's house!  How did that happen?

One of the nicest things about spending a day to say "Thank You" is its origins.

Less than 20 years after Ms. Child's poem, President Lincoln's signature placed a National Day of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

It impresses me that the President's decree came during the Civil War.  During suffering, war, and hardship all around - the nation paused to say thanks.

Sure, "Black Friday" creeps into Thanksgiving Day and the parades, food, and football are a welcome distraction and oasis... but be sure to prepare your own list of thanks and share it with your guests who made their trip over the white and drifted snow.

Safe travels and Happy Thanksgiving!