Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving and the 4th of July are truly American holidays, in the sense that they don’t have a religious connection.
As kids in school, many Americans are taught a story about “the first Thanksgiving” which is a mythological meal that the Pilgrims and the “Indians” shared in Massachusetts. It’s customary to make crafts or dress up as Pilgrims and “Indians.” The standard images of Thanksgiving include turkeys and corn, autumn leaves, etc.
Currently, Thanksgiving is a family holiday in the US, and it’s a big time for traveling. Lots of people fly to visit family and have a feast together.
The traditional Thanksgiving meal includes roast turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing (often a combination of bread and vegetables), mashed potatoes and gravy (a sauce made from the turkey). For dessert, pumpkin pie is a classic. Most families only cook these foods for Thanksgiving, so there can be some stress involved!
One trend with regard to Thanksgiving is to incorporate foods from other cultures because extended families often include recent immigrants. So a dinner might have some American elements and some Vietnamese dishes, for example.
Another Thanksgiving tradition in some families is to watch American football. And then to fall asleep on the sofa…
Hopefully, Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to reflect on what we’re thankful for. This year I feel especially thankful for the wonderful life I have, and for everyone who has been so generous and inspiring to me.
So, Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for everything!