Thanksgiving thoughts for 2015

As a permanent resident of America, I have always enjoyed Thanksgiving. I always look forward to having turkey with mash potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Those are the main traditional dishes served at most homes. I remember when I was still an undergrad in Seattle, I would occasionally dine at IHop Restaurant and order the turkey dinner with all the fixings because I could not wait for Thanksgiving. I had always wondered what American families would have and be doing during Thanksgiving since I never went to any home besides having a gathering amongst the Malaysian students. We always had an Asian spin on it, so in my opinion, it was not really authentic. After I got married to Jennrich, I finally savored the real Thanksgiving dinner, either at mother in law's, or father in law's or at either of his brothers' homes and especially when we played host. A lot of work went into the preparation. It was just wonderful. Being with family and understanding the traditions that came with it. Food, chilling, snacking, watching football and cooking (more like helping in my case). Once we sat down, it was just a food fest and most times, there is so much leftover, it was insane. Culminate that with the fine fall weather and taking walks after dinner and hearing leaves crunch under your feet was wonderful. There were occasions where we had snow, but even then, it was still cozy and naps were definitely an option you wanted to include for the weekend. Truth be told, most families want to have a great Thanksgiving and whether you have a dysfunctional family or not, most will go home to be together with their loved ones. Many families have also created new traditions, where they include serving the poor and homeless in soup kitchens. A very commendable gesture indeed. They also open their homes to include non family members. It is indeed a time to reflect and be grateful for all you have. At the end of the day, all you need is a gathering of family and friends, sharing the bountiful food under one roof, or giving your time to the ones who do not have that. Is that not what peace and love is all about? Cheers and Gobble Gobble!