Christmas Parade Stew
What is something that formerly, you had no interest in, but now you celebrate?
It would be impossible to convince my teenage Gothic self that Future Me would delight in parades; I recoil from crowds, loud noise, and traffic.
Small Virginia towns sparked my love. Rural friends would call up and say, “Hey, there's a parade. Let's make a float!” Another reached out: “We’re getting horses together, I *need* you!” Thus, my parade participation began.
As a spectator, instead of blurry crowds I now see beautiful communities. I whoop, dance, and jump up and down yelling more than for any touchdown! I closely peer at and appreciate every group of friends, teammates, coworkers - givers giving back - and cheer them loudly on.
Parades have become so special to me that I make the crowd bigger and louder by throwing a Parade Party! Cousins and neighbors gather, and I make Brunswick stew, breakfast casserole, hot cocoa, Bloody Marys and serve lots (and lots!) of candy canes. A parade turns into a day of gathering and love.
My teenage Goth self might cock her head and ask, “If YOU were in parades, what was your JOB?” Well, it's an important one, which is why I carefully choose a festive nice dress, practice my dignified smile and wave, then, at the crucial moment, elegantly bend…
AND SCOOP
the horse manure, before curtsying and continuing on.
Christmas Parade Brunswick Stew:
Lift the chicken out, shred it into small pieces, and stir it back in. Reheat, and let the comforting aroma fill the house to welcome and warm up your cold, hungry guests!
Photos: I hope you enjoy the blurry old photos from Phenix, Appomattox, Pamplin, and Farmville; new memories are from Richmond's Dominion Energy Christmas Parade.
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