Food, Football, and Family

Turkey. Cranberries. Mashed potatoes. Pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving is almost here and I can hardly wait…not only because of the incredible food, but because it’s a day spent with family doing family things. We’re all so busy all the time, that it seems holidays are the only absolute in togetherness. This is the main reason I love Thanksgiving (and Christmas too, but that’s for another post!)

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was always at our house. I loved this! My mother would wake up early in the morning to get the turkey cooking, so by the time the rest of us woke up, the house would already smell delicious. And then, family and friends would start pouring in…and old traditions were continued and new traditions were started.

My great-grandmother Verda always brought a huge chocolate cake covered in sprinkles. It was the only time of the year we’d see this particular cake, and I can remember exactly how it looked—a little lopsided, but covered in bright sprinkles, and way too much frosting. To this day, if I see a cake coated in sprinkles, I think of her.

Now, our family has spread itself over the country, so Thanksgiving isn’t as huge as it used to be. But it’s still special. From the food, to the family, to yes—even the football, it’s a day I look forward to every year. Of course, it's also the official start of the Christmas holiday--which is my absolute favorite time of year. Soon, we'll be shopping, wrapping, decorating, and singing Christmas carols. I can't wait!

I hope everyone has a joyous Thanksgiving!