We will celebrate
Thanksgiving!
Let the feast planning begin!
Menu
I am happy to make the turkey with flavorful gravy and savory stuffing.
Julie will bring
A delicious homemade pumpkin pie, mouthwatering sweet potatoes, cranberry jelly and savory dressing.
Sonja will elevate traditional dishes with an innovative twist
Ruta and Mindi will do the creamy mashed potatoes, a yellow vegetable, and an apple pie.
Thank you all!
To better understand American traditions, it is helpful to explore the history and personal memories that capture the essence and spirit of Thanksgiving.
That’s why I’ve combined historical insights with some of my cherished family memories here, reflecting what this holiday means to me.
My grandfather and father, circa 1938
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I have a lifetime of wonderful memories with family and friends, each unique and special
However, my first memories of Thanksgiving were with my paternal grandfather, my childhood hero and indisputable favorite person!
My paternal grandfather was an extraordinary character! His passions encompassed nature, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, horse riding, golf, traveling, and business. He embodied the perfect blend of a rugged cowboy and a sophisticated city dandy.
Although we are often presented with a specific view of history, my grandfather had a treasure trove of stories that turned those well-known narratives upside down.
His frontier upbringing inevitably influenced his stories, offering a unique perspective that brought historical events and folklore to life.
My grandfather circa 1925
He was a skilled and knowledgeable storyteller.
Although this story does not take place during Thanksgiving, it emphasizes that history does not always accurately represent Native American history.
One story that is recognized worldwide is that of Pocahontas.
However, contrary to Disney's portrayal in its 'family film,' the true story of Pocahontas is not one of romance but rather one of tragedy and abuse.
Not much is known about this memorable woman. What we do know was written by others, as none of her thoughts or feelings were ever recorded.
However, the truth is that the English colonists captured Pocahontas and held her for ransom; during her captivity, she was forced to convert to Christianity and was baptized with the name Rebecca.
After a long, arduous boat journey, the Pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock in 1620. They were tired, hungry, and probably a little grumpy.
Their first order of business was to find food, lots of food! However, they faced harsh winter conditions, disease, and a high mortality rate.
Their early attempts at foraging, hunting, and fishing were less than successful; they had no idea how to navigate this new world.
Some pilgrims thought berries were a great idea until they realized they'd eaten poison ivy berries.
Despite their early setbacks, the Pilgrims and Native Americans ultimately came together to celebrate a three-day feast.
While it may not have been the most refined event, and the dishes were quite different from today's traditional menu, it was a memorable occasion that marked the beginning of Thanksgiving!
My grandfather's account of Thanksgiving focused on the generosity and kindness of the Wampanoag Indians, who came to the aid of the struggling Europeans facing starvation.
However, thanksgiving today is like a warm and inviting quilt, beautifully crafted with the colorful patches of our collective memories. Each lively square tells a story stitched together from years brimming with laughter, mouthwatering feasts, family, and treasured friendships!
It is a time to reflect on the past and remember those who came before us and the traditions they passed down through generations.
Few places from my childhood are as memorable as my paternal grandparents' home. The kitchen was always alive with delightful aromas, and the cheerful clatter of pots and pans tugged at my senses.
Yet, this warm and inviting space was off-limits to me.
Every time I entered the kitchen, my grandparents' "friendly" cook would shoo me away, insisting that the kitchen was her territory and not a spot for me to hang out.
From left to right: my mother's cousin, my mother, and my father's sister in front of my paternal grandparents' house, circa 1955
As a child, I didn't understand why the kitchen was off-limits to me. It wasn't until later that I realized that the women in my family were expected to marry young, raise children, manage the household, and host social gatherings.
We were also encouraged to study literature, music, art, and languages. However, cooking was not included in our education.
My grandfather circa 1940
He was at home in nature as well as in the city.
Thanksgiving was the only time the cook allowed me in the kitchen while my grandfather guided me through the process of preparing the turkey.
The warm, inviting scents of herbs and spices surrounded us, turning the kitchen into our little haven, if only for that brief moment.
I would hang on to his every word as he taught me the secrets of his flavorful recipes.
Together, we created memories that would last long after the last slice of pie was served.
Those moments in the kitchen became the highlight of Thanksgiving, filled with laughter, stories, and the delicious aroma of our feast.
I am looking forward to hearing and celebrating some of your precious memories and making new ones with you all!
Vanessa
Credits:
Created with images by • Nico - Thanksgiving Dinner Spread with Roasted Turkey and Fall Produce • Pcess609 - Human hands open palm up worship with faith in religion and belief in God on blessing background.Christian Religion concept background. • uckyo - roast turkey with stuffing, thanksgiving dinner • Татьяна Евдокимова - Festive thanksgiving dinner table is set with a roasted turkey as the centerpiece, illuminated by the warm glow of a fireplace in the background • Vasyl Onyskiv - Plate of Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey slices, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and asparagus isolated on white transparent background. Concept of festive meal • evgenyb - Rustic Thankgiving Dinner • Bostan Natalia - Women raising glasses with white wine at an open air party with friends and family. • Vovmar - A festive table for the whole family with many dishes. Celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Generated by artificial intelligence • JEANNE - Silhouette of cowboy riding horse at sunset • Prostock-studio - Slow-cooked beef stew simmers in a black pot over glowing coals, releasing steam into the crisp autumn air. • spiritofamerica - Pocahontas Statue, by William Ordway Partridge, erected in 1922, representing Pocahontas the favorite daughter of Powhatan, who ruled the Powhatan Confederacy. She was born about 1595, probably at Werowocomoco 16 miles from Jamestown and died in Gravesend, England, 1617. Photograph taken on the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Colony, May 2007. • Duckai - Native American Feast showcasing a rich cultural celebration of food and harvest with Pilgrim settlers during Thanksgiving traditions • Justlight - Muddled view of pilgrims and Native Americans at a Thanksgiving reenactment. • IRStone - Young European ladies of 1880th, students, friends group walking one street, vintage photo • Susanne Güttler - am herd • romankosolapov - father pointing and guiding son on first deer hunt • Angelika Heine - Preparation roast turkey - Raw whole turkey with root vegetable on a baking sheet • Vasiliy - Woman taking turkey out of oven on a kitchen background. Roasted, traditional turkey cooking. Christmas turkey. A woman takes a festive chicken or turkey out of the oven on Thanksgiving day