Idyllwild’s Thanksgiving Spirit: Memories Across the Years

By Jenny Kirchner
Contributor

Growing up as an only child in the quaint and picturesque town of Idyllwild, Thanksgiving was more than just a holiday; it was a cherished tradition that brought my family and community together in warmth and gratitude. It filled the otherwise fairly quiet house of just my mom and me with the laughter and great company of the many who joined us. Nestled among the towering pines and serene mountains, Idyllwild provided the perfect backdrop for a Thanksgiving celebration that was as unique as the town itself.

In our household, Thanksgiving was a time for family and friends to come together, sharing stories and laughter around a table laden with delicious dishes. My mom, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, took charge of the culinary creations, crafting a feast that was nothing short of extraordinary. I, on the other hand, was more comfortable outside the kitchen, leaving the cooking to her expert hands.

My role was to set the table with the finest china my mom owned, transforming her antique, turn-of-the-century dining table into a scene of elegance and warmth. You see, my mom’s house is like walking into the 1800s – every piece of furniture is older than time itself. It was the type of furniture that you must use a coaster to put your drink on so you don’t leave rings on the table. It was the real silver silverware; it was the real china dishes from England. You couldn’t get closer to, to what I imagine, a Thanksgiving dinner would look like way back in the day. It was beautiful and part of our Thanksgiving tradition.

We would typically have Thanksgiving dinner in the afternoon, and in preparation, we would purposefully refrain from eating beforehand to ensure we had our appetites ready for the grand meal. My mom and I always made it a point to invite friends and acquaintances who didn’t have anywhere else to go, making each year special with different faces and stories.

The dining table was a colorful tapestry of traditional dishes, each one lovingly prepared and eagerly anticipated. Real burning candles, because electric candles would ruin the scene, flickered and lit up the room with that beautiful warm glow. We would gather around as we expressed our gratitude for the blessings of the past year. It was a moment of reflection and connection, a reminder of the love and support that surrounded us.

There was one year it snowed so heavily that no one was able to make it to Thanksgiving. We were all snowed in after multiple feet of snow piled up. My mom and I found ourselves with a bounty of food all to ourselves, staying warm inside by the fire and watching the huge snowflakes blanket the ground. We had leftovers for days. It was a quieter Thanksgiving with it being just the two of us, but we enjoyed our time together, of course… And yes, we still ate with the real silver silverware, the real china dishes from England, and the real burning candles. Tradition is tradition.

When I got older and began working for the Town Crier newspaper, my Thanksgiving experiences expanded beyond our home. Often, I would find myself working on holidays, covering events around the community. One event was the American Legion Post 800 serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. I would run around with my camera freezing moments in time of people smiling and sharing fond memories. Many times, I would also partake in socializing with other community members or joining in for “Friendsgivings” after running into friends while working. I would sit back and listen to everyone’s stories, traditions, and memories of their past Thanksgiving holidays, and be filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to get a glimpse into their most special and cherished moments.

Thanksgiving in Idyllwild was more than just a holiday; it was a celebration of community, gratitude, and love. It taught me the importance of coming together, of cherishing the simple joys in life, and of being thankful for the people who make our lives meaningful and a little brighter. As I reflect on those cherished memories, I am reminded of the enduring spirit of Thanksgiving and the timeless beauty of Idyllwild.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!