With the end of autumn fast approaching, I’m finding it hard to believe that I haven’t written about Thanksgiving yet! On the last Thursday of November, Americans gather with their friends and family and sit down to a feast, traditionally as a gesture of thanks for the previous year’s harvests. The Puritan pilgrims, prompted by an excellent harvest, celebrated the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. The holiday has religious as well as cultural roots.

    Thanksgiving is typically celebrated as a family reunion to remember all that there is to be grateful for. It’s a national holiday, so adults will take time off work and students usually get at least two additional days off of school. Many families will take a moment to state what they are thankful for before lifting their forks and knives to eat. It’s an excellent opportunity to take a moment and reflect on all that has graced the lives of families and friends during a traditionally busy season.

    A Thanksgiving meal typically centers around a roasted turkey. For as long as I can remember, my mother would be up bright and early on Thanksgiving Day, marinating and buttering the turkey to prepare for its hours-long bake in the oven. Along with the turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and cranberry sauce, dinner rolls or corn bread, green beans, carrots or squash, corn, and stuffing are all served. The meal always ends with pie! Pumpkin pie is the most traditional choice, but any kind of pie can also be served. Thanksgiving is the one holiday where anyone can eat as much as they like without feeling guilty! After the meal, families will retire to talk, watch football, or, in recent years, hit the streets to start their Christmas shopping.

    Many people will also donate food or money to underprivileged families who are not as fortunate during the holiday season. All in all, it’s a time to be grateful and reconnect with all that we hold dear in our hearts.

    Dear readers, be sure to show thanks for all the good in your life this month!