Thanksgiving is rolling around, and Christmas is around the bend.
Plans are in the making. This year the children are all excited to spend Christmas with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in Ohio.
If we all gather at Grandpas’ large farmhouse, we fill it to the brim. Cooking for Daniel’s family of 30 folks is no small task. I told my mother-in-law that we’ll all be pitching in and bring prepared dishes to lighten their load.
For us, Christmas meals and Thanksgiving feasts are a lot alike. With mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, stuffing (at least when my grandma planned it), a veggie, salad, sometimes a fruit salad, and pies or another sweet treat. Mmm, I can’t wait.
This year I’d like to make cheesecakes for the holidays. We’ll see. My brainstorms are not always compatible with a mother’s schedules! My mom keeps encouraging that this stage will soon have vanished.
Thanksgiving plans aren’t all mapped out yet. Usually we gather with family or friends and spend the day together.
When I was a young girl I used to always look forward to playing all sorts of board games in the afternoon. It doesn’t seem that long ago, yet in many aspects, I’ve come away from of what used to be life back then.
Thinking back, I specifically remember one uncle who would spend time playing with us cousins. Now I realize that surely that must have taken sacrifice on his part to leave the circle of adults to play with us children.
Thinking over it, I’m motivated to do more of the same.
Oh, that brings me to a thought shared by a dear sister-in-law, and it’s been a motto around the house ever since. OK, here you go: “The more it’s NOT about you, the more you will love what you do.” It’s profound, and it’s so true!
The more serious I get about making the perfect plans and having the best holidays, the more my happiness is in jeopardy when things cross my path. Then if my goal is set on bringing joy to others and adding worth to their lives, by valuing them as individuals, things just fall into place so much better.
Two-and-a-half weeks before Thanksgiving, Grandpa set a goal for the children. He offered a prize to anyone who can recite the first 12 verses in Matthew 5 until Thanksgiving Day.
We’ve been chanting verses on all sides. Hosanna, Jesse, and Elijah, ages 3, 4, and 5 are giving it a lick as well. The greater challenge for them is having Dutch as their primary language and not understanding all of what they’re memorizing.
So besides learning the verses, we’ve also been talking more English around the house to hopefully aid in the process. We’ll see how it all comes together.
You will want to be sure to try these ultimate pumpkin rolls for your Thanksgiving table. The first time Daniel had them he was completely impressed.
Now as a rule, we don’t eat sugar at our house, but this proved to be an exception. They are loaded with flavor and completely moist, perfect for any occasion.
These pumpkin rolls are made each week at my uncle’s store, where they sell like crazy these autumn days.
Pumpkin Rolls
4 eggs, separated
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 scant cup pumpkin
1 ¼ teaspoon lemon juice
1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup flour
Beat egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, set aside. Mix up remaining ingredients then last fold in egg whites. Place parchment paper on cookie sheet and liberally grease with butter or non-stick spray. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until done.
Filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ tablespoon butter
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
Whip all together and spread evenly on cooled cake. Roll carefully, starting at narrow side of cake. Chill, cut in one inch slices. Serve and enjoy!
Gloria Yoder is an Amish mom, writer, and homemaker in rural Illinois. Readers can write to Gloria at 10510 E. 350th Ave., Flat Rock, IL 62427.
