With a little more than a couple of weeks before the greatest feast day of the year, my thoughts turn not only to Thanksgiving but other holidays enjoyed with families and friends.

Having lived in both England and Louisiana, I have had more than my share of celebrations, some of which are unique to each country. But, believe it or not, there are still people who ask me, “How do they spend Thanksgiving in England?”

OK, I know it’s the British accent, although mixed with a healthy dose of Cajun, coming out of my mouth that prompts the question, but surely the origins of the holiday should explain the purely American celebration. Although, believe it or not, there are also a few people who continue to ask me the same question about the Fourth of July!

Advertisement

In the early years of my living here, members of my own family back in the old country expressed the notion that all our holidays evolve around food. I recall a telephone conversation with my mum not long after arriving here. I was telling her that I was getting ready to cook my first turkey meal.

“You people (I can only assume she was now considering me an American) always seem to be sitting down to eat an enormous meal. What’s the occasion now,” she asked.

I told her it was to be my first Thanksgiving.

“So what do you do?” she asked.

“Just like everyone, we get the whole family together and sit down for a big turkey meal,” I said.

“What else.”

“Well, of course we are all very thankful for what we have, but we really don’t do much more than sit and visit with each other until it’s time for supper,” I explained.

“It’s no wonder you gained all that weight,” she said, using the words that could only come from a mother.

Not to be outdone, I asked her what was it that we all used to do on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas which is a holiday in England.

“Well, we still get together with all the family for a big high tea,” she said. “Then we visit with each other until supper. Oh,” the light bulb went on. “Maybe you’re not the only ones who enjoy a good meal.”

That was many years ago and my parents, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles — all those who used to gather around a large table for Boxing Day and other family celebrations, have passed away. But my sister, her family and cousins first, second and third time removed, carry on the tradition of bringing the family together for a celebration of good food.

I am so thankful that my memory still allows me to remember these family occasions.

But this year, on my 36th Thanksgiving, I am thankful for my American family, of which they have always made me feel a part. For my children, grandchildren and the good health they enjoy and, of course, I am thankful for my husband, who is the reason I still have dreams — dreams of a flower bed, more furniture for my home office, a picnic table for the backyard and more.

I am thankful for the opportunity to continue writing this column and more importantly, I am thankful there are still those who enjoy reading what I write. A very happy Thanksgiving to you all.

 

JENNIFER E. MAY is former Teche Life editor for The Daily Iberian.