A Thanksgiving Tale: Joy, Feasting, and Family

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share stories, and celebrate the blessings in our lives. For many families, it is a hallmark event, filled with rich traditions, hearty meals, and a spirit of gratitude. Here, we share the joy, challenges, and celebrations of Thanksgiving from diverse perspectives, using the examples of joyous and disappointing experiences.

Thanksgiving: A Time of Gratitude, Community, and Concern

Ellison Family's Thanksgiving Feast

Whenever the Ellison family gathers for Thanksgiving, it's a grand affair. This year, they celebrated with 38 members ranging from two-year-olds to a seventy-one-year-old. Despite the immense family dynamics, spanning from toddlers to grandparents, the spirit of togetherness and gratitude was palpable. They deep-fried a turkey, baked another in the oven, and hilariously fought over oven space. Tasks were shared amongst the family members, with one peeling and mashing 10 pounds of potatoes, another making three green bean casseroles, and everyone else contributing sides and desserts. The baker niece brought 72 fresh yeast rolls. The family ate in shifts, entertained children, and stayed connected with the news, forever cherishing the sense of abundance and togetherness. The Ellison family is known for its pride in their children, none of whom are considered 'ugly'; instead, they are bright, beautiful, and above average in every way.

Despite the chaos, they celebrated with such fervor that the family is looking forward to adding a new member soon. It is anticipated that the family count will increase to 39 in late January, as they are expecting another baby.

Thanksgiving as a Community Event Despite Challenges

However, not all Thanksgiving experiences are as joyful. For some families, the holiday can be a time of missed opportunities and hard work. This year, the author and her family couldn't enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner and gathering. As retail workers, they were all busy and thus couldn't attend the family meal. Instead, they made up for the missed Thanksgiving by hosting a wonderful Christmas brunch. The table was set with a hearty spread, including Sausage Gravy and Biscuits, Pancakes, Potato-Onion-Egg-Cheese casserole, Fruit Casserole, Monkey Bread, Ham, and a Cream Cheese Spread with Miniature Rye Bread Toast. The reunion brought laughter and joy, as the kids opened their gifts. For the author, the lack of a Thanksgiving gathering was both disappointing and bittersweet, reinforcing the importance of family and the need to celebrate amidst sacrifices.

Reflections on Thanksgiving in Absence of Loved Ones

A Memorial Thanksgiving

For the Ellison family, Thanksgiving 2018 was particularly poignant. It marked their first holiday without their beloved husband and father, Murray, who passed away in April 2018. Despite the sadness, the family came together with two of their five children, each bringing a friend from Atlanta. They engaged in a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, cooking together, setting the table, serving, and reflecting on what made each of them thankful. The meal was a blend of joy and sorrow, as the author listened to their reflections and values, feeling poignantly aware of the absence of a special person, yet grateful for the memories and the warmth of the gathering. After the meal, they settled down to play the challenging game of Codes Names, finding solace and fun in the shared experience.

Both the meal and the gathering were calm and wonderful, even in the absence of a very special person. The author found comfort in the knowledge that even in loss, they found ways to celebrate and create new traditions.

Much can be learned from these diverse Thanksgiving experiences. From joyous reunions to quiet reflections, each story showcases the myriad ways families can find joy, solace, and gratitude during this cherished holiday.