Thanksgiving is upon us. I have to say, fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The decorations, the music, the food, and the holiday spirit- I love it. Coming from a larger family – and having a large extended family – this only heightens the holiday cheer. 

     There is always the food of course. But it’s not just the act of eating Thanksgiving dinner. The countless hours of preparation on end and the delicious smells that fill the house the entire week are just as important, as are the leftovers for the next few days.

     One special thing about Thanksgiving is my family makes a holiday favorite- apple salad. Apple salad consists of apples, celery, mini marshmallows, and peanuts.

     In my family, the cooking of Christmas cookies has always begun the day after Thanksgiving – if not before. The preparation, eating, and preserving of food becomes both a family tradition and a ritual of community and togetherness.

     On Thanksgiving morning, my family wakes up early to watch the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While watching my family puts up the Christmas tree.

     Along with food and the morning of, there is also family- which I believe is the most important aspect. For me, Thanksgiving has always included spending time with my extended family. On my dad’s side of the family, we get together a week before Thanksgiving so we can get extended time together due to everyone’s busy schedule. On my mom’s side, we usually get together on Thanksgiving evening to have a feast with everyone.

     With Thanksgiving around the corner, I can’t wait to spend it with my friends and family. While also eating way too much food.