Like turkey and all of the trimmings, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple in our family since our girls were small. With the smell of turkey wafting in the air, we gather in our jammies in front of our telly early each Thanksgiving morning to watch each float and wait for the musical numbers to be performed by the hottest celebrities and, of course, our favorites, the Radio City Rockettes. There are big balloons of popular cartoon characters managed by teams of balloon handlers as they make their way down the parade route dipping and swaying with through the buildings with each gust of wind. The weather can be treacherous with freezing temperatures and icy rain or snow, and the crowds always bundle up as they gather predawn for the start of the Parade. We always feel sorry for the band members who have to march hours on end in that cold weather, but we are grateful for their efforts as it is joyful to watch, and the arrival of Santa at the end of the Parade marks the beginning of the holiday season and all of its blessings.
Last year, precious friends, knowing our love for this tradition, invited us to be their special guests for the Parade. After losing both parents last year, holidays in the Big Apple seemed like a good way to divert the pain of their loss. I know that Mom would have loved it too as she watched many a Parade with us while the turkey roasted. We had fabulous seats in the grandstand right in front of Macy's. Clowns entertained us, store employees served hot chocolate and croissants and being so close to the floats, musicians, and yes, Santa, was thrilling! Unbelievably, the weather was cool, but comfortable and a day that could have been blue, turned out to be joyful.
This year, we will be back in our jammies in front of our telly to watch the frivolity. As an added bonus, we will be watching for the Bowie High School Marching Band to perform. The weather in New York City looks like it might be cold and possibly wet, but we know the Parade will thrill all of those that see it. We will wait for the Rockettes, oooh and aaaah over each passing float and eagerly await the arrival of Santa, thankful that we have seen another Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and that God has blessed us deeply with each other. From our home to yours, we wish you a Blessed Thanksgiving!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS!
Laura, Brad, Kerry, and Katy
