Over the River and Through the Wood

The holidays always remind me of my childhood, happy memories of family gatherings, traditions, good food, and familiar books and songs. And I know that as an adult its a very romantic way of looking at the holidays, but the child in me comes out this time of year - I don't think I'm alone here....Yesterday I went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on a very mild, fall day with a date, a very good looking and fun date I might add. Its hard to believe that I haven't gone since moving to Philly in June, but I'm glad I waited, I wouldn't have chosen any other way of having this experience except on this Saturday. I mean, this is an extremely romantic first date! Not only is the building itself beautiful, look at these amazing views of the city you get from the top.

Since I was totally distracted by my date, I didn't really pay too much attention to the exhibitions, but it did get me in the mood to think about my favorite pieces of art. I've been a fan of Norman Rockwell since I was young, probably because of the idealistic image of American life that he portrayed. These illustrations were comforting to Americans during a time of war because of the simplicity of family that it represented. But it gives me the same feeling now, over fifty years later. Here is one of his Thanksgiving pieces, entitled "Freedom from Want".

We all know that family isn't as perfect as it seems in this picture, but is it wrong to connect this image with the idea of holidays? It was comforting to struggling Americans and soldiers many years ago and I think have continued to be comforting to many Americans, struggling or not. A big, smiling family reminiscing while squished closely together in a warm, aroma filled home, children running around every which way. My excitement for the holidays is not for the gifts or other superficial reasons but for the feeling that it gives me. Even though I have a completely different perspective as an adult, I still get that same warm and fuzzy feeling I got as a child. That innocent excitement of fun times and good moods. 

I don't know about you but Thanksgiving is one of my favorite meals, it's a meat-n-potatoes girl's idea of perfection. I am also looking forward to nestling in my parents little house, watching my Mom strap on her apron, chat it up with sisters - one talking louder than the next, and getting to work on all our favorites (I think I will help her this year instead of heading out to the annual Turkey Day Game). 

One image that always comes to mind with Thanksgiving is reading the book (or rather singing) Over the River and Through the Wood with my Mom and sisters. Although I don't think we ever went to Grandfather's house for Thanksgiving, it felt familiar because it was such a loving book about family. There is something comforting about the feelings people had in the 1800's when this poem was written. Life was hard, family was important, and holidays were looked forward to because it was something special. They weren't buying new things or having fancy dinners every week like we can today, it was something that only came around once a year.They were thankful for the little things.

And although I never rode in a horse drawn sleigh through the white and drifted snow and probably never will, that image represents the holidays to me. So I will share with you this memory in hopes that it warms your heart and excites you about spending this holiday with those closest to you.

Over the River and Through the Wood

by Lydia Maria Child

Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’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.
with a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark and the children hark,
as we go jingling by.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, “Ting a ling ding!”
Hurray for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood—
no matter for winds that blow;
Or if we get the sleigh upset
into a bank of snow.

Over the river, and through the wood,
to see little John and Ann;
We will kiss them all, and play snowball
and stay as long as we can.

Over the river, and through the wood,
trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound!
For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.

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—
Old Jowler hears our bells;
He shakes his paw with a loud bow-wow,
and thus the news he tells.

Over the river, and through the wood—
when Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
bring 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!