I’m going to say something that might get me kicked out of the Thanksgiving fan club. I’m not a fan of Thanksgiving. There, I said it.
I’ve never been excited about the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Turkey, dressing, casseroles, and all the fixings just aren’t my thing. Add in the fact that I’m gluten-free, and dinner becomes a game of “What can I actually eat?” Spoiler alert: Not much.
But the food isn’t really why Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite holiday.
Since losing my mom, Thanksgiving hasn’t felt the same. Her birthday always falls during Thanksgiving week, and she loved having a big family meal. She wanted everyone together, plenty of food, and a house full of people. Me? I’m usually trying to figure out how to leave town.
Every year, I announce we’re going somewhere for Thanksgiving. Somewhere with sunshine, room service, and absolutely no turkey. And every year, that plan falls apart. So, here we are again.
Years ago, my husband built a 14-foot table in our house. Yes, 14 feet. Apparently, a regular dining room table wasn’t going to cut it. And Thanksgiving is the only time of year we actually eat at that table. The other 364 days, it just sits there, waiting for its big moment.
My mom loved bringing everyone together, and while I don’t share her enthusiasm for cooking a massive meal, I understand why it mattered. It wasn’t about the food. It was about having everyone in one place.
With my daughter in college and the boys getting older, I’m realizing how quickly those opportunities change. Everyone has their own schedules, and getting all five of us together sometimes feels like scheduling a board meeting.
Maybe Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be my favorite holiday. Maybe it’s simply about appreciating who’s still sitting around the table while remembering those who aren’t.
I’ll still miss my mom, still pass on the turkey, and probably start planning my Thanksgiving escape again next year.
But for now, there’s a 14-foot table waiting to be filled. And maybe that’s a tradition worth keeping.
Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.
