My mom's side of the family is numerous -- she is one of nine children -- and getting together for Thanksgiving has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. It's one of the more relaxing holidays we have in the family and definitely one of my favorite memories of all time. During our family Thanksgiving gathering, one of the best moments has always been listening to Perry Como sing Ave Maria.
I'm not sure why or how the tradition started, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Grandmom. She has a fierce passion for Ave Maria and we are all in agreement that no one sings it like Perry. It has easily become one of my favorite songs. Hub and I even had it played during our wedding. Everyone on my mom's side of the family cried like babies. It was wonderful.
Anyway, when we all get together for Thanksgiving, there are approximately 25-50 people depending on who can travel from out of state. There is always too much food, some football, outdoor activity when the weather allows, card games, Jenga, and Perry Como. After we've eaten a huge meal and more pie and cookies than anyone cares to admit, and drank all the coffee, eggnog, and apple cider we can stand, everyone settles into the living room and listens for Ave Maria to begin playing over the speakers. It is the only time our entire family becomes completely silent, and one of the most relaxing, loving moments I've ever felt. It happens every year on Thanksgiving and makes the holiday extra special and unique to our family. I adore it.
I'm not sure why or how the tradition started, but I have a feeling it has something to do with Grandmom. She has a fierce passion for Ave Maria and we are all in agreement that no one sings it like Perry. It has easily become one of my favorite songs. Hub and I even had it played during our wedding. Everyone on my mom's side of the family cried like babies. It was wonderful.
Anyway, when we all get together for Thanksgiving, there are approximately 25-50 people depending on who can travel from out of state. There is always too much food, some football, outdoor activity when the weather allows, card games, Jenga, and Perry Como. After we've eaten a huge meal and more pie and cookies than anyone cares to admit, and drank all the coffee, eggnog, and apple cider we can stand, everyone settles into the living room and listens for Ave Maria to begin playing over the speakers. It is the only time our entire family becomes completely silent, and one of the most relaxing, loving moments I've ever felt. It happens every year on Thanksgiving and makes the holiday extra special and unique to our family. I adore it.
Wow, that gave me chills! I can't believe I have not heard that version before (or never noticed). Thanks for sharing! (From AWB)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know when you guys played that at your wedding that it had extra meaning. Cool!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from AWB.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tradition. I'd never heard this version. Thank you for sharing.
What a fantastic family tradition! Thank you for sharing it with us Erin. I've always loved Ava Maria but I've never heard it sung by Perry Como. It's beautiful :)
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