Thanksgiving Traditions
When I was a kid, and was asked what my favorite part of the holidays were, I always responded with food, presents, decorating and even with special church traditions. I took my family for granted because I was with them whether it was a holiday or just an average Saturday barbecue.
I moved to Oregon about 3 years ago, and ever since the move, I haven’t been home for a holiday. I haven’t gotten to go to Grandma’s house for an Easter egg hunt, or go to church and see the last candle lit on the advent wreath. Being without my family on the holidays really made me realize how important they are, especially on holidays. My past two thanksgivings, I’ve poached dinner (and families) from friends, but this year, I started some traditions of my own. Now that I’m living in Portland, and reunited with my cousin, it’s about time.
Thanksgiving a day centered around eating, so why not have a thanksgiving breakfast tradition? These were the thoughts at the Red Cross, and we started the day at 10:30p with mimosas and pumpkin waffles. Not a bad start to a day of indulgence.
Later, I met up with my cousin for dinner and we got together with friends for dinner. We are coincidentally all Wisconsin transplants, so have little to no family in town, but it was neat that we all had a common background. We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (minus the canned Ocean Spray cranberry sauce). The ladies hung out in the kitchen in the men watched football. After dinner we all played sheepshead, a favorite card game. I felt more at home than I have in years and was very thankful to be with such a great crowd. All in all, it was a fantastic day, and I can’t wait to be done with leftovers.
