The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 19, 2012

Some Thanksgiving traditions cross generations

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter



Sometimes we slide right over Thanksgiving on the downhill slide to Christmas and the holiday is overshadowed by gift purchases or preparations to hang greenery.

At Food Lion over the weekend, it wasn’t uncommon for families to look over the store’s Christmas tree selection with a cart filled with turkey fixings.

But for those out preparing for their feasts, Thanksgiving is still a moment to pause with good food and loved ones.

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Covey, of Beckley, said they have had more than 56 years of being thankful together and their Thanksgiving dinner brings about 40 members of the family together.

Gloria Freeman and her daughter Keisha Hamby, both of Beckley, said their family takes turns hosting the meal. This year Hamby will be hosting the meal for the first time.

It’s a family tradition for them to serve a punch made from rainbow sherbet and Sprite.

Teresa Massey, of Beckley, said her family can’t have Thanksgiving without her mudslide pie.

“You have to have homemade dressing. The real kind, not any of that Stove Top stuff,” said Kathy Hilton.

She said Thanksgiving is all about “coming home” to visit at grandma’s house.

“Sometimes holidays are the only time you get to see your relatives. It’s nice to sit down with them at a meal and talk,” she added.

But for some, Thanksgiving isn’t a busy time.

Hilton, who works the deli counter at Food Lion, said the store’s boxed turkey dinners are more and more popular.

“People just don’t cook like they used to, and we get more and more elderly couples in here who are celebrating by themselves,” she said.

Others find themselves planning ahead for the rest of the holiday season while the family is together.

Linda Vandall, of Beckley, said Thanksgiving is the time her family draws names for the Christmas gift exchange.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com

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