Here Come the Irish: Over the Mississippi and Through the Redwoods—A Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition

"Over the River and Through the Woods," is a Thanksgiving poem written by Lydia Maria Child. Although the stanza actually says,

Over the river, and through the wood,  

To Grandfather's house we go;

the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh

through the white and drifted snow.

since 1844, Americans have changed the words to fit their holiday travels. Growing up, we would sing "over the Bay Bridge and through the Caldecott" and we meant it. Thanksgiving was spent at my grandparent's flat at 35 Ashbury Street in San Francisco. Today, it's wherever is most convenient. Regardless, holiday travel presents it own set of challenge and adventure for many— but not for all!

I've long lived the reality of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." I respect that my brother watches this as part of his Turkey day tradition. But now that I live close to my parents and where I grew up, I don't have to travel. That is a gift. But, sometimes the best gift is when family travels to YOU. 

The effort to purchase a plane ticket, pack up, and put yourself in another time zone is not for the faint of heart. To me, having visitors—friends or family—come from far (and near) is a bonus. But for the past 20 years, there's been a double bonus—my Notre Dame family, the Fightin' Irish football team comes to Palo Alto to play the Stanford Cardinal. 

People ask me if I plan on attending the game. I've always found this question a little baffling. How could I miss this? Seeing my team requires me to travel but 45 minutes down Highway 101. The Irish have come to me (not specifically...obvi ). I am grateful.

The Legends Weekend Trophy: Waterford Crystal atop a Redwood Base

Every other year, my Thanksgiving weekend is characterized by these visitors. It prompts other questions such as Who's in town for the game? What gatherings will surround the game? Where is the team practicing?  This year, the flew in on Friday and did not practice. Where are they staying?  The Marriott in San Mateo. What will the weather be like? Sunny and not a cloud in the sky. What time is kick off? 4 p.m. What are you bringing to the tailgate? Fireball, what else?! Who will win? Irish are favored by 21 but one never knows. Will ND fans sing "I Will Always Love You" to Sam Hartman out west? I'm willing... and able.

In my blog post, The Three F's of Thanksgiving: Family, Food...and Football?! I asked the question: When you think of Thanksgiving—is "football" one of the three F's that come to mind? I cannot say otherwise. It is about family—my own family and the Notre Dame family. Football is a significant reason we come together and today, this Thanksgiving weekend why they came over the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, through the Redwood forests. Let's take it to the House Irish!