Memorable Momday

This Monday, I’m sharing some photos of my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. This is a family tradition that has been going on for years at Uncle Murf and Aunt Judy’s home. My boyfriend’s mother is one of eight siblings, so there is always a large gathering of her side of the family spanning three generations during the Thanksgiving holiday. Usually every family brings a dish, and Uncle Murf and Aunt Judy cook the main dish. All the family tries to show up by noon, and then the Thanksgiving meal is sometime shortly after. Since there have been so many people gathering together over the years, there are typically two or three tables to seat all of the family. 

Ham or Turkey for Thanksgiving?

This year, we decided to have both! Turkey is often the traditional dish people think of when they think of Thanksgiving, while ham is more typical around the Christmas holiday. However, this year, it was decided we would have both. Other dishes included mashed potatoes, corn, corn casserole, beans with bacon, noodles, dinner rolls, and salad. There were also various snacks, like pretzels and crackers and cheese, to keep people’s appetite satisfied during the day. And then finally, Aunt Judy’s famous cheesecake for dessert! Once everyone had their fill, they brought in their dishes and helped clean up a bit. Afterwards, the family time begins with plenty of games and stories shared.

Before the meal, my boyfriend’s aunt, Aunt Judy, gathered the family around to explain the family’s Thanksgiving Blessing of the snacks the family always makes. Shaped like a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, bugles are a symbol of our nation's abundance. Pretzels are arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country. The candy corn symbolizes the sacrifices made during the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day. The nuts or seeds remind us of the promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended to with diligence. The dried fruits symbolize the harvest gifts of our bountiful land, and the M&Ms remind us of the many memories of those who came before us to guide us to this blessed future. For members of the family, it became a good way to reflect on the true meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday and remember the purpose of our gathering. For me, it was also a great way to develop a better cultural understanding of the holiday and share the experience with family. 

As the Thansgiving family gathering wraps up, every year we conclude with a family photograph as a momento of the annual event. Shortly afterwards, family members begin their journey back home, embracing each other one last time, and saying “see you next year!” I felt so great being there with my family. We had a lot of fun and laughed so much. I felt strongly connect to each of my family members. It’s so nice to have a place to call “home”. I love my family!